Leading Greek businessman kidnapped

Police in northern Greece have been put on high alert after Greek industrialist, Giorgos Mylonas was abducted just outside his home in the northern city of Thessaloniki shortly after midnight by three armed men according to police reports. The 49 year - old owner of the Alumil corporation and head of the Northern Greece Chamber of Commerce and Industry was snatched  just metres from his home in the upscale Panorama suburb just after midnight on Monday. The kidnappers forced the businessman to drive his car to a local supermarket car park. Later according to reports on the in.gr  website the kidnappers phoned Mrs Mylonas indicating where her husband's car had been left. In it were found his cell phone and watch.

Greek police believe that Mylonas has been the victim of a kidnap by professionals however, no word of any ransom demand has yet been made public.According to the BBC vehicles leaving the country's northern borders, which in some cases are just an hour's drive away, are being checked and road blocks have been set up.

This is the second high profile crime in as many weeks. Last top Greek actor, Nikos Seryianopoulos was found stabbed to death in his Athens home. Police have yet to arrest any suspects.