Arrest for illegal possession of antiquities

In an organized police operation, Greek law enforcement authorities arrested three people in Megara, Pefki and Inofite who were illegally in possession of ancient treasures.

According to the official message ΕΛ.ΑΣ, a police officer managed to infiltrate the circle of antique dealers and lure them into a trap by posing as a buyer of valuable artifacts, scheduling a meeting to buy and sell. During the operation, three Greeks aged 54, 69 and 52 were arrested, and as a result of searches, valuable ancient items were discovered and confiscated from the owners of antiquities, including a rare gold coin and a bust of Kouros.

The Department of Cultural Heritage and Antiquities of the Office for the Protection of Property Rights, Cultural Heritage and the Environment planned and carried out a large-scale operation that took place in the morning hours of May 23, 2024, which led to the identification of three individuals who were in illegal possession of antiquities.

This was preceded by a thorough investigation and use of information. The three Greeks arrested during the operation are facing criminal charges – depending on the circumstances – for creating a criminal organization, violating laws on antiquities and weapons. As a result of searches, the following were discovered and confiscated from the owners of antiquities:

• Rare gold coin Stater of Ptolemy I of Egypt, 4th century BC. e. with a diameter of 18 millimeters and a weight of 8.5 grams.
• Bust of Kouros measuring 50×34.5 cm.
• Marble female figurine 33 cm high.
• Brass ring with a diameter of 7 centimeters.
• Two rings with the inscription “ΜΥΡΤΑΛΗ”.
• Icon depicting Saints Onuphrius and Saint Spyridon, dating from after 1830.
• A book called “Greek points and their values.”
• Hunting rifle and revolver.

The seized antiquities were shown to an archaeologist of the Ephorate of Antiquities of Western Attica and a numismatist for consultation. Both of them expressed their competent opinion that the objects fell within the protective provisions of antiquities legislation. The antiquities were transferred for storage and for final evaluation to the Archaeological Museum of Megara and the Numismatic Museum of Athens.

The detainees were taken to the criminal prosecutor's office in Athens.

Source link