In Chania, authorities recently uncovered a troubling case involving an attempted blackmail at a tourist accommodation. Two foreign visitors, after staying in the city, demanded 700 euros from the property owner and manager.
They threatened to post damaging reviews online if they didn’t get the money. This kind of threat can seriously hurt a business’s reputation, especially in a place where the local tourism scene depends so much on authentic Cretan cuisine and hospitality.
The owners didn’t give in to the demands. Instead, they went straight to the Tourist Police and reported what happened.
Police set up a sting operation and caught the two suspects as they accepted the marked money. The suspects didn’t cooperate at first and refused to share their details.
They even tried to record the police officers, which broke data protection laws. The investigation is still ongoing and really shows the kind of challenges tourism businesses in Chania have to deal with.
Key Takeaways
- Visitors to Chania attempted to force money from a local accommodation.
- The threats involved posting false negative reviews online.
- Tourist Police arrested the suspects during a sting operation.
Police Statement on Recent Incident
Officers from the Tourist Police Department of Chania arrested two foreign nationals—a man and a woman—on the evening of 7 August 2025. They’re facing charges like extortion, assaulting public officials, and breaking personal data laws.
This whole thing kicked off when two locals, who owned and managed a tourist accommodation near the Venetian Harbour, reported that these former guests demanded €700. The pair threatened to post negative reviews online if they didn’t get paid.
Police set up a sting and caught the suspects as they took the marked cash. That part went off without a hitch.
When officers moved in, the two wouldn’t give their identification. They pushed back and even filmed the police with a mobile phone.
This all happened near Koum Kapi and Nea Chora Beach—busy spots, especially with tourists flocking in for the sand and sea. Honestly, keeping things safe here is no small job for the Tourist Police.
Key facts of the case:
Detail |
|
|---|---|
Date and time |
Evening of 7 August 2025 |
Location |
Close to Venetian Harbour, Chania |
Suspects |
One man and one woman, foreign nationals |
Charges |
Extortion, assault, data law violation |
Money demanded |
€700 |
Police action |
Controlled operation with marked money |
Suspects’ behaviour |
Refused ID, resisted arrest, recorded police |
Tourist Police are still digging for more evidence. They want to make sure everyone involved actually faces the right legal consequences.
