A Greek shipping tycoon was freed early today after eight days in captivity when his family paid his kidnappers an estimated €30 million (£28 million) in ransom.
Pericles Panagopoulos was found about three hours after midnight by a passing police car near the industrial district of Aspropyrgos, just west of Athens. Despite chronic diabetes and a serious heart condition, the 74-year-old passenger-ferry magnate was in fairly good condition, the police said. After resting at home for hours, he was reportedly being debriefed by the police today.
Estimates over the amount of ransom money delivered to the still-unknown kidnappers differ. Initial media reports cited €18 million, though family sources indicated that €30 million was more likely. In their first message after seizing Mr Panagopoulos at gunpoint outside his home on the morning of January 12, they had demanded €40 million...more
