Greek police claimed that they had busted a gang engaged in trafficking of antiques dating back to 4th century B.C. by arresting 44 people after months of investigation. Police said on Sunday they confiscated 9,200 silver and bronze coins dating from the 4th century B.C. to the Byzantine times. They also seized 300 small artefacts from the arrested.
A 66-year-old retired Customs official, described as the ringleader, would often travel abroad to arrange for the sale of the coins. He, along with his two brothers and other relatives, formed the core of the group which carried out illegal excavation at several places in northern and central Greece.
Regional police chief Vassilis Kanalis said in Polygyros, a town north-east of capital Athens, the arrests and seizures were the culmination of a "great investigation" which began six months ago.
The most valuable coin, according to experts, is a silver coin from the era of Alexander the Great (4th century B.C.) in which Alexander is depicted as an eagle on one side, while the other shows his father and predecessor as King of Macedonia, Philip II.
Source: www.RTTnews.com
By RTT Staff Writer
No comments:
Post a Comment