Two former Israeli army officers plotted to kidnap the granddaughter of Greek shipping tycoon Aristotle Onassis at a Swiss ski resort, an Israeli newspaper reported Thursday.
The plan to kidnap 12-year-old Athena Roussel nearly a year ago was thwarted after a third Israeli tried to sell information on the gang to the girl's father for $50,000 but was arrested by Swiss police, the Yediot Ahronot daily reported.Athena's mother is Onassis' late daughter, Christina Onassis; her father is Thierry Roussel. They were divorced in 1987, and Athena, their only daughter, stands to inherit $2.4 billion when she turns 18.
International arrest warrants have been issued for the would-be kidnappers, who the paper did not identify.
Israeli police confirmed Thursday they were cooperating with Swiss authorities on the case and Swiss investigators visited Israel last month to pursue it. Police spokeswoman Linda Menuhin would not provide further details.
Yediot said the two Israelis suspected of being involved in the plot are a lieutenant colonel and a colonel in the army reserves.
It said the gang had six members, including the two Israelis and a woman.