Twenty-three individuals arrested as alleged members of three antiquities trafficking rings, which were dismantled following a months-long police investigation that culminated in their capture over the last 24 hours, when police officers from the Northern Greece Organised Crime Prosecution Sub-Directorate handcuffed the individuals involved, are now to appear before a public prosecutor. Among them is a Serres Antiquities Service employee.
Police sources said that the investigation into the alleged activities of the three gangs began last September.
According to the police, the individuals are mainly "hunters" of coins and other archaeological artifacts, who conducted illegal excavations even in the vicinity of archaeological sites in Northern Greece. The same sources stated that, in addition to metal detectors, they also used other digging tools, including explosives (TNT).
Furthermore, in their telephone communications they used code names in order to avoid detection. They also appear to have sold the ancient objects in foreign markets, making profits from their illegal activities.