Greek priests arrested for usury, blackmail

Athens. Two Orthodox priests in the central Greek city of Larissa have been arrested for usury and blackmail targeting a fellow clergyman, local police said on Wednesday, quoted by AFP.

The two men, aged 35 and 49, were arrested on Tuesday following a complaint from a 51-year-old fellow priest who had borrowed 10,000 euros ($14,300) from the pair over the last three months.

Police tracked down the suspects after following two of their associates who had just received a repayment sum from the alleged victim, who said he had also received death threats.

A search of one of their homes turned up over 7,000 euros in cash and bills of exchange worth over 150,000 euros.

Police are investigating whether there were other accomplices involved in the racket.