Police in Greece dismantled two sophisticated criminal organizations involved in large-scale antiquities smuggling. 39 suspects across Greece and Germany were arrested.
This extensive operation involved collaboration with local police forces in Munich, Germany, and numerous Greek cities, including Thessaloniki, Rhodes, Agrinio, and Alexandroupoli, among others.
The operation resulted in significant seizures, including 1,800 archaeological finds. This vast collection includes numerous coins from various periods, animal and anthropomorphic figurines, and ancient masks and helmets. Notably, 800 of these artifacts were recovered during investigations in Germany.
Also, eight weapons were seized, which are a mix of pistols, revolvers, combat weapons, and hunting weapons, 1,300 cartridges of various calibers, €80,000 in cash.
Those arrested face serious charges, including: forming and joining a criminal organization, embezzlement of ancient monuments, illegal archaeological excavation, unauthorized use of metal detectors, money laundering, and weapons law violations.
The two antiquities smuggling rings in Greece
According to Greek investigators, criminal organization A comprised a total of 36 members. Of these, 32 were arrested in Greece, while another 4 are currently being sought in Germany and Greece. Investigations also identified 11 additional suspects involved in violations of cultural heritage laws.
Operating since 2022, this organization exhibited a clear transnational character, hierarchical structure, and continuous activity. Their method involved illegally exporting ancient movable monuments abroad, either to accomplices or directly to well-known auction houses in Germany and the USA.
Through preliminary investigations, including requests for legal assistance in the USA, a European Investigation Order in Germany, and the lifting of bank secrecy, it was revealed that this organization committed at least 130 criminal acts against Greece’s cultural heritage.
Methodology of Organization A:
Lower Level: Defendants, acting individually or in subgroups, used underground detection machines and digging tools to conduct illegal excavations, uncovering and stealing archaeological finds, primarily ancient coins.
Mid-Level: These individuals assessed the value of the finds and connected with prospective buyers. They used coded descriptions or sent photographs via online communication apps, finalizing sales once prices were agreed upon.
Highest Level: These defendants purchased the antiquities, collected them, and then exported them from Greece for delivery to auction houses or accomplices for disposal. They possessed specialized archaeological knowledge regarding dating, representations, and market values of similar objects. Most of the trafficked items were ancient coins and small objects, predominantly sold abroad through auction houses.
Communication within the organization was maintained through in-person meetings and coded language in telephone conversations, often referencing their legitimate professional activities or local finds. It was also discovered that a Greek national, previously arrested for antiquities trafficking in Greece, was working at a foreign auction house and facilitated the trade of illegally exported ancient coins.
Greek investigators say that criminal organization B focused on northern Greece. It consisted of 10 members, with 7 arrested in Greece and 3 still at large. Active since December 2023, this group operated primarily in Macedonia and Thrace, with some members having a history of similar crimes. The leader of this organization collected ancient objects from Greece and sold them abroad, with the involvement of two auction houses confirmed.
This organization is linked to at least 49 criminal acts against Greece’s cultural heritage.
The recovered archaeological finds are currently undergoing macroscopic examination by officials from the competent Antiquities Office of Thessaloniki to determine their exact archaeological value.