Antiquities trafficking online: Greek Police identify ad and make arrest in Athens
The Greek Police have recorded a significant success in the fight against antiquities trafficking, with the arrest of a man in Athens who attempted to sell an ancient pointed-bottomed amphora online.
The arrest was carried out by the Sub-Directorate for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings and Goods of the Directorate for Combating Organized Crime (21/2), in an area of Athens.
Advertisement on the Internet mobilized the authorities
The case came to light when the authorities identified an ad on a website, in which an ancient pointed-bottomed amphora was offered for sale.
After investigation, the authorities determined that this object belongs to the type of Menda amphorae and dates back to the late 5th – early 4th century BC, which makes it a protected cultural asset under current legislation.
Coordinated operation and investigations
The police officers proceeded with an undercover operation, making an appointment with the seller. During the meeting, the accused attempted to sell the amphora, which he had placed in the trunk of his car. The authorities immediately intervened, proceeding with his arrest.
During the search of the vehicle and the possession of the arrested person, were seized a 0.72m high sharp-bottomed amphora and an iron base of the amphora. Searches were carried out at the defendant’s homes, where the following were found and seized:
- Four pounds sterling and three pints
- Two knives
- A metal flare gun
- A stick of dynamite with explosives and a fuse
- Two cameras with memory cards
- A camera with a base
- 22,000 euros
The defendant was arrested and taken to the competent prosecution authority, which referred him to an investigator. The case is being examined within the framework of the legislation on the protection of cultural heritage, while investigations are continuing in order to determine whether other individuals are involved in the antiquities trafficking ring.
The Hellenic Police calls on citizens to be particularly careful and to immediately inform the competent services in cases of suspicious advertisements for the sale of antiquities via the internet.