An Israeli family vacationing in Athens says a routine taxi ride from the airport turned into a frightening ordeal when the driver allegedly threatened them and demanded 600 euros.
According to Greek police, the 38-year-old driver repeatedly threatened violence and refused to allow the family to leave the taxi or retrieve their luggage until they paid.
Taxi ride that turned into a robbery
(Photo: Ceri Breeze / Shutterstock)
He was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of robbery, and police are now investigating a separate complaint against him involving another tourist.
The incident took place on August 13 and has received widespread coverage in Greek media since the driver’s arrest.
According to a Greek police statement, the driver picked up the Israeli family at Athens International Airport and drove them to their hotel in the city center. When they arrived, police said, the driver began threatening the family and demanded 600 euros.
According to investigators, he intimidated them and forced them to hand over the money before allowing them to leave the taxi and retrieve their suitcases from the trunk. Shortly afterward, the family went to a police unit in the Syntagma area and filed a complaint.
Following an investigation and analysis of digital evidence, officers identified the taxi driver. A case was opened against him on suspicion of robbery, and an arrest warrant was later issued.
The driver was arrested Tuesday morning and brought before prosecutors in Athens. Police said they are also investigating another complaint against him from a tourist who claims the driver attempted to defraud him of 800 euros.