April 23, 2012
Thirty five people arrested in Greek antiquities smuggling ring
Greek police have made numerous arrests & recovered thousands of ancient artefacts, following a series of raids in central & northern Greece.
From:
BBC News
3 March 2012 Last updated at 21:20
Arrests in Greek antiquities smuggling ringGreek police investigating antiquities smuggling have arrested 35 people and recovered thousands of ancient coins and other artefacts.
One of the suspects was found with more than 4,000 coins in his possession.
Metal detectors were also found during the raids, which took place in northern and central Greece.The country’s archaeological heritage means it has long been a target for illegal traders. Last month dozens of artefacts were stolen from a museum.
Two masked men took more than 60 objects after overpowering a female guard at the site, dedicated to the history of the ancient Olympic Games in Olympia.
Those items, mostly bronze and clay statuettes, were of “incalculable” value, according to the town’s mayor.
Police are expected to release more details of Saturday’s operation on Sunday or Monday.
- Two arrested in northern Greece for suspected smuggling of artefacts from illegal excavations : June 19, 2012
- All artefacts from February robbery at Olympia recovered by Greek police : November 27, 2012
- Metal detectorists who looted ancient coins in UK given Anti Social Behavious Order : March 7, 2013
- Stolen Greek icon recovered : September 24, 2006
- Looted Peruvian treasure located in UK : August 17, 2006
- Memorandum of Understanding for illegally exported Greek cultural objects entering the USA : October 24, 2010
- Greek heritage a casualty of the financial crisis : April 4, 2012
- Greek government receives money from Germany : January 26, 2015