In a major crackdown on antiquities smuggling, law enforcement has apprehended 23 suspects believed to be part of organized criminal networks.
The arrests include an archivist from the Serres Antiquities Ephorate, who allegedly guided fellow gang members to locations rich with ancient artifacts.
Media reports indicate that authorities carried out over 40 home searches, successfully dismantling three criminal groups operating in northern Greece—two based in Serres and one in Thessaloniki.
The raids yielded a significant haul, including ancient coins and other artifacts, which will be turned over to archaeological experts for assessment. Police also seized €50,000 in cash and tools used for illicit digs near protected archaeological zones, including TNT explosives.
Investigators say the suspects were illegally excavating sites such as the Tomb of Kasta and the wider Amphipolis ancient site, with the intent to sell their finds on the international black market.
Of the 23 detained, 14 have been ordered into custody facing a slew of criminal charges. These include participation in a criminal organization, artifact theft, possession of explosives, unauthorized excavation and archaeological exploration, trafficking in cultural goods, illegal export of antiquities, unauthorized use of metal detectors, looting of excavated sites, and possession of weapons and ammunition.
Six of the accused appeared before a prosecutor in Thessaloniki, while the other nine faced proceedings in Serres.
