Police in the Italian capital Rome have arrested three men on suspicion of extorting tourists. Dressed as gladiators and Roman soldiers, they took pictures with tourists in the famous Colosseum and then demanded up to 500 euros from them, the police reported on Saturday.
Sometimes they threatened people in the old battle arena to get the money. The public prosecutor placed two of them under house arrest and one was jailed.
Several foreign tourists filed complaints between August and September this year, police said. An Irishman claimed to have no money after the photo. The men then forced him to withdraw money from an ATM.
When he came back with 200 euros, they would have sent him back out of dissatisfaction to get another 50 euros. According to the police, an Italian tourist would have to pay 40 euros for it after the photo. When he refused, the suspects surrounded him and threatened him with violence, eventually extorting 150 euros from him. (aeg/sda/dpa)
Soource :Watson
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
