A major police operation conducted over the past 24 hours in Northern Greece and Aetolia-Acarnania in central Greece has led to the dismantling of a nationwide antiquities smuggling ring. The investigation, spearheaded by the Patras Security Police, resulted in 39 arrests, with the majority taking place in Northern Greece.
Among the ancient artifacts recovered and confiscated were coins, statuettes, and swords, according to police sources cited by Greece’s public broadcaster ERT. Expert archaeologists are expected to assess the value of the seized items in the coming days.
On Tuesday afternoon, the apprehended individuals were brought before the Thessaloniki Prosecutor’s Office, facing charges related to the illegal trafficking of antiquities. While the ring operated across the country, Aetolia-Acarnania is believed to have been the main hub of its activities.
However, according to reports, the network had extended its reach into Western, Central, and Northern Greece, with numerous cases uncovered in Thessaloniki, Halkidiki, Kavala, Serres, and Drama.
Police searches conducted at residences, businesses, and storage units linked to the members of the smuggling ring also uncovered metal detectors, which are believed to have been used in illegal excavations.