Jiorgos, son of Ivan Savvidis, was found guilty of instigating the racketeering of football managers, while his brother was acquitted due to doubts.

The Tripartite Court of Appeal of Thessaloniki found Giorgos Savvidis guilty, for inciting professional extortion of a football manager, who in 2015 was involved in negotiations for the renewal of the contract of Ergus Kace. In contrast, his brother Nikos Savvidis was acquitted on doubtful charges.

The trial court has adjourned the proceedings to consider motions for minor and to decide on the penalties, with a decision expected in the next 24 hours.

The court’s decision on George Savvidis

According to the document, the two brothers were accused of being perpetrators in an act attributed to a criminal gang that allegedly carried out extortion. According to the indictment, a person who was then an agent at PAOK and was responsible for communicating with organized fans approached the group. The former agent was also found guilty of instigating both the manager’s extortion and other shoplifting cases.

The case of the soccer manager reportedly escalated with the bombing of his wife’s car in Athens, an act for which members of the gang were convicted as physical perpetrators.

The background of the Kace case

According to the case file, The case was triggered by the deadlock in the negotiations for the renewal of the contract of Ergus Kace, which had caused a reaction in PAOK fans’ circles.

Although the chair prosecutor had proposed the acquittal of both brothers, the court adopted the proposal only as regards Nikos Savvidis. Neither attended the trial, represented by proxy lawyers, through whom they denied the charges.

Guilty and former police officer

The same case file also involved cases of extortion in the form of “protection” in nightclubs and places with illegal gambling. For those charged with criminal organization, the court changed the charge to misdemeanor conspiracy, resulting in a statute of limitations for the offense.

A former police officer, who was convicted of distinguished drug trafficking within a correctional facility, was also found guilty, as he allegedly imported drugs into the detention facilities of the Thessaloniki Subdirectorate of Transit on behalf of prisoners linked to the gang.

In total, the indictment involved 44 people, of which more than 30 defendants were found guilty of various acts. The sentences of all those convicted are expected to be handed down in the next hearing.

Source: APM