Thessaloniki: Man Arrested with Over 2,400 Ancient Coins in His Possession
A 34-year-old man was arrested in Thessaloniki by officers of the Northern Greece Organized Crime Division for illegally possessing a significant number of ancient artifacts, including more than 2,400 ancient coins.
The arrest followed an extensive investigation conducted by the Cultural Heritage and Antiquities Protection Office, in collaboration with the relevant Archaeological Authority. Through detailed analysis of the gathered evidence, authorities confirmed the suspect’s involvement in illegal activities related to cultural heritage.
What Was Found?
During a search of the suspect's home, conducted in the presence of a judicial official, authorities uncovered a treasure trove of artifacts spanning a wide range of historical periods:
2,456 ancient coins dating from the Classical Era (5th-4th century BCE), the Macedonian Kingdom (4th-3rd century BCE), various Hellenistic periods, the Roman Republic and Imperial eras, the Early and Middle Byzantine periods, the Late Byzantine period, the Ottoman era, and even the 17th-century European period.
14 rings (11 bronze and 3 silver).
3 bronze Byzantine bracelets and other metallic artifacts, including a spindle-shaped component, a silver earring, a silver button, 10 metal vessel attachments, and 2 lead tokens.
Additional items, including 2 bronze laboratory weights, 3 slag remnants, a hunting rifle, a pistol, a scope, and 377 rounds of ammunition.
Legal and Forensic Measures
The ancient items will undergo examination by the relevant Archaeological Authority to determine their historical and cultural significance. The seized weapons and ammunition will be sent to the Northern Greece Criminal Investigation Laboratory for further analysis.
The suspect has been brought before the appropriate prosecutorial authorities and faces charges related to the illegal possession of cultural artifacts and firearms.
A Blow to Cultural Heritage Crimes
This arrest highlights the continued efforts of Greek law enforcement to combat the illegal trade of antiquities and protect the nation’s rich cultural heritage. The investigation showcases the importance of interdepartmental collaboration in uncovering and stopping such crimes.
The preservation of these artifacts ensures that they remain part of humanity's shared history rather than disappearing into the shadowy world of illegal antiquities trade.
