Cretan Antiquities Bust: Ancient Artifacts Seized

Six individuals were arrested on Crete for allegedly running an antiquities smuggling ring. The group attempted to sell a collection of ancient Greek artifacts. Police recovered several items and confiscated tools and contraband. The suspects face charges related to organized crime and cultural heritage violations.

Authorities in Greece have successfully dismantled an antiquities smuggling operation on the island of Crete, leading to the arrest of six individuals, police announced Thursday. The operation targeted an alleged network attempting to illicitly sell ancient artifacts.

In a strategic sting conducted on Wednesday, the suspects were caught in the act of trying to negotiate the sale of a valuable cache of relics. The police report describes the group as a structured criminal network with well-defined roles, involving a leader and several intermediaries.

The haul included 15 ancient oil lamps, 17 figurines or fragments, ceramic vessels, and a child's head marble sculpture, thought to originate from different eras of ancient Greek civilization. In addition to the artifacts, authorities seized metal detectors, scanning devices meant for relic hunting, firearms, drugs, and cash.

Greece, famed for its archaeological treasures, remains vigilant against the illegal antiquities trade, a persistent challenge despite robust legislative safeguards. The arrested individuals now face serious charges, encompassing organized crime and violations of cultural heritage laws.

(With inputs from agencies.)