Unraveling the Operations of the Smuggling Ring and the Role of a 63-Year-Old Mastermind
For years, an organized network of looters meticulously mapped out areas of archaeological interest across Northern Greece, gathering intelligence from local antiquities authorities and individuals familiar with remote sites. Under the cover of night, they infiltrated unexcavated regions and even ventured into officially designated archaeological zones, using advanced metal detection equipment to locate buried treasures before embarking on their illegal excavations.
Last week, authorities from the Organized Crime Unit of Northern Greece carried out a sweeping operation, arresting 23 individuals in Ptolemaida, Serres, Kilkis, and Thessaloniki for conducting unauthorized digs in protected archaeological sites. Investigators revealed that the criminals had set their sights on the renowned Kasta Tomb and the broader Amphipolis area.
Dynamiting Ancient Tombs: A Shocking Tactic
Experts from the Archaeological Service, who have long tracked the illicit activities of these looters, highlighted the extent of their destruction.
"These groups have no limits. They raid archaeological sites, dig under the cover of darkness, and even resort to using dynamite to blast open ancient tombs, irreversibly damaging invaluable monuments," stated a senior archaeologist from Northern Greece.
Despite being caught red-handed, many of these offenders face only minor legal consequences, allowing them to return to their criminal enterprises with little deterrence.
Three Gangs, One Criminal Network
According to case files, the 23 arrested individuals were linked to three distinct but interconnected smuggling rings—two operating in Serres and one based in Thessaloniki. The charges against them include forming a criminal organization, professional and repeated misappropriation of cultural artifacts, illegal export of cultural goods, and unauthorized excavations.
During the arrests, authorities confiscated an array of stolen antiquities, including:
An Illyrian-style helmet
A clay head sculpture
A small silver statue
A cross
18 rings, 3 bracelets, and 17 pieces of jewelry
Three figurines
An Ottoman-era tombstone
27 vases
Thousands of coins and religious icons
Additionally, police discovered TNT explosives, dozens of metal detection devices, a revolver, and a blank-firing pistol in the suspects’ homes—clear evidence that they were prepared to continue their looting operations.
The Toll on Cultural Heritage
An archaeologist and museum director, who has spent decades confronting looters in excavation sites, lamented the impact of these crimes:
"Looting causes irreversible damage. The artifacts lose their historical context and end up in illegal markets where they are stripped of their significance. We are losing vast portions of our cultural heritage, piece by piece. Even when arrests happen, the offenders often go free due to legal loopholes and lenient sentencing."
The Network’s Reach
Authorities believe the network extended beyond Thessaloniki and Serres, reaching as far as Larissa, Karditsa, Arcadia, and Halkidiki. Due to the vast scope of the operation, law enforcement units from multiple regions collaborated in the investigation.
The "Appraiser": A Key Player in the Smuggling Chain
At the heart of the operation was a 63-year-old man, identified as the chief coordinator and evaluator of the stolen antiquities. According to case records, he served as the middleman, ensuring that looted artifacts were smuggled abroad to private collectors and auction houses.
His criminal record dates back to 2011 when he was first arrested for possession of antiquities. In April 2023, he attempted to smuggle ancient coins hidden inside an olive oil container via courier services. Earlier this year, he was also implicated in the attempted sale of 2,456 ancient coins, 14 rings, and Byzantine bracelets through a 34-year-old Russian accomplice.
The coins spanned multiple historical periods, including:
The Classical era (5th–4th century BC)
The Macedonian Kingdom (4th–3rd century BC)
Hellenistic city-states of Macedonia
The Roman Republic and Imperial periods
The Byzantine era
The Ottoman middle period
A Corrupt Insider: The Role of an Archaeological Service Employee
The ring’s downfall came when the 63-year-old "appraiser" met with a 65-year-old employee from the Serres Archaeological Service. This meeting led authorities to uncover the network’s inner workings.
The 65-year-old official had been arrested in December 2023 at "Macedonia" Airport while attempting to smuggle ancient coins sewn into the lining of his jacket. He had previously been caught in possession of a large collection of coins two years prior.
Authorities accuse him of playing a pivotal role in the operation, leveraging his access to sensitive archaeological information to direct looters to valuable sites. Wiretaps captured him discussing metal detectors’ effectiveness in locating coins, with a telling exchange:
"Does it detect gold?" asked his associate.
"If there was gold, wouldn’t I have taken it? What kind of questions are these..." the employee responded.
Despite overwhelming evidence, legal representatives for the accused maintain their innocence. Defense attorney Konstantinos Tolides stated:
"Most of the 14 defendants from Thessaloniki were released under restrictive conditions. Their involvement was minimal or nonexistent. They had contact with the ringleader but did not know each other personally."
Another defense lawyer, Nikos Tsangaridis, added:
"My client denies any involvement in criminal activities. He has no connection to such offenses."
The Kasta Tomb Connection
Authorities intercepted chilling conversations between members of the Serres gang regarding a planned excavation at the Kasta Tomb in Amphipolis:
"I say we go on Sunday after the hunting season ends. It’s our last chance. I’ll take you to the other side of Kasta Hill," one member suggested.
"Let’s hope we don’t get caught..." the other replied.
Fortunately, law enforcement acted in time, preventing the gang from carrying out their planned illegal dig at the historic site.
A Battle Against Time and Greed
The looting of archaeological treasures is not just a crime against Greek law—it is an assault on history itself. While authorities have made significant strides in dismantling these networks, the battle continues. Stronger legal frameworks, harsher penalties, and continued vigilance are crucial to preserving Greece’s rich cultural legacy for future generations.
