European 'heritage gang' rolled up

the hague - Police services in several EU countries have seized tens of millions of euros in cultural heritage. This happened during a major international campaign against a gang that deals with the excavation and trading of historical objects, reports Europol.

The investigation into the gang began 4 years ago. Local criminals would have excavated cultural heritage in Sicily, where there are ruins from Greek and Roman antiquity. The gang then sold the loot via German auction houses. Helpers in Barcelona and London carried out supporting tasks.

More than 250 agents simultaneously attacked 40 homes in Italy, Germany, Great Britain and Spain in the early morning. The authorities arrested a total of 23 suspects. In addition, more than 25,000 objects were seized during the investigation, says Europol. The total value would certainly be 40 million euros.

The Italian police had previously confiscated thousands of historical objects and counterfeit cultural heritage. The Italian authorities also confiscated tools used by criminals, such as metal detectors.

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