A fast-food restaurant in Alès, Gard, was deliberately set ablaze overnight Monday to Tuesday by two individuals who had been threatening the owner, Fatma Guven, with racket demands for several weeks. Guven reported initial demands for €50,000, which escalated to €150,000, and stated that his refusal led to escalating threats against his family, including attempted destruction of his car and arson of his bins. The criminal nature of the fire is confirmed by surveillance footage. An investigation has been launched by the Alès public prosecutor for organized arson, organized extortion, and criminal association.