He is ninety years old and, for decades, is alleged to have accumulated a vast collection of goods that could not be found at his residence. He faces charges related to crimes against the historical heritage. The National Police reports that he has bought over many years a significant number of cultural items of illicit origin.
According to a note from the force, the confiscated assets come from multiple sources, including trespass at churches and both terrestrial and underwater archaeological sites. The person under investigation allegedly bought and hoarded these items throughout life, investing them in the farms he owns without authorization and without the required protective measures.
Among the objects seized by the National Police are two seventeenth century cannonballs, a Roman column base recovered at Cerro de la Almagra, forges linked to the Sierra Minera de La Unión listed as a National Inventory asset, baptismal fonts, Roman amphorae, relics from the Spanish Civil War, and various religious images that testify to a long chain of illicit transfers.
museum pieces
Also recovered are anchors of Roman origin in lead and silver, items of exceptional value that only a handful of the world’s premier museums could claim. The authorities emphasize that these pieces carry extraordinary historical significance and are part of the country wide patrimony that belongs to society as a whole.
The general directorate reported that the most recent operation to seize and confiscate the objects was carried out urgently. The aim was to prevent goods from being moved to third countries and to avert irreparable loss of a cultural legacy that benefits the history of the nation, the public interest of the state, and the wellbeing of society as a whole. In a brief statement, officials highlighted that timely action preserves the integrity of heritage for future generations and supports ongoing educational and research endeavors. This case underlines the importance of robust safeguards, transparent provenance checks, and cross border collaboration to ensure that artifacts remain in national or internationally recognized institutions where they can be studied, protected, and appreciated by all. Sources: National Police briefings and subsequent press releases provide the framework for understanding the scope and intent of the operation.