Authorities in Greece have arrested six people on the island of Crete in connection with an alleged antiquities smuggling ring that was attempting to sell dozens of ancient artifacts, police said Thursday.
The arrests came after a sting operation on Wednesday, during which the suspects were reportedly trying to sell a collection of antiquities to an undercover police officer who presented herself as buyer.
Investigators say the group operated as a coordinated criminal network, with clearly defined roles, including a leader, go-betweens, and a designated transporter.
According to local media, among among those arrested is a 58-year-old public service executive, a well-known resident of Heraklion The other four arrestees are from Crete, while the sixth is from Halkida, on Evia.
Among the over 40 recovered items were 15 ancient oil lamps, 17 figurines or fragments, several ceramic vessels, and a marble sculpture believed to depict a child’s head.
All are thought to date from various periods of ancient Greek history and will be assessed by a state archaeological service.
Police also confiscated metal detectors and scanning equipment believed to have been used to locate buried relics, as well as firearms, ammunition, quantities of cannabis, and more than 3,000 euros ($3,200) in cash.
The investigation into the antiquities smuggling case involved 25 police officers from the Athens Organized Crime Directorate, as well as services from Crete, who arrived at the home of one of the arrested in Atsipades, Monofatsi, where they found the archaeological finds.
According to information, there was a scheduled meeting between the perpetrators and the undercover police officer, who was to evaluate the antiquities the perpetrators wanted to sell.
The arrested individuals allegedly presented the antiquities to the officer, asking for the sum of 900,000 euros. However, before the deal was completed, one of them showed the officer a photo of an ancient gold wreath, claiming it was in his possession and was selling it for 1,000,000 euros.
Greece, known for its rich archaeological heritage, has long battled the illicit trade in antiquities. Despite strict national laws, such artifacts remain highly sought-after on the international black market.
All six suspects are facing multiple charges, including membership in a criminal organization and breaches of cultural heritage protection legislation. [AP, cretalive.gr, newsbeast.gr]
Pictures: Greek Police