More than 3.5 thousand artifacts from 16 people were seized by investigators on suspicion of archaeological looting in Italy. It has been reported Reuters.
According to the agency, Italian police managed to uncover “a network of archaeological marauders and international dealers in ancient Greek and Roman ruins.”
As noted, the detainees were charged with criminal conspiracy, illegal excavation, theft, and the trade of stolen goods.
At the same time, five suspects managed to avoid arrest, but they have to report to the police.
The remaining 11 defendants in the investigation were arrested.
During the searches, hundreds of gold, silver and bronze coins, jewelery and other artifacts from the ancient Greek and Roman periods were found.
Artifacts were previously unearthed in illegal excavations in the southern regions of Apulia, Campania and Basilicata.
Previously archaeologists discovered Rare ancient artifacts in India’s tiger reserve.