Europe cracks major antiquities trafficking network after years-long probe

Europe's wide operation successfully dismantled a major criminal network that trafficked stolen artefacts worth over €100 million, while identifying over €1billion in illicit funds, operating across Europe for over 16 years.

The coordinated action has been taken by authorities across seven countries to dismantle the criminal network that successfully smuggled stolen cultural artefacts across the continent.

However, the operation involved 131 searches of properties, vehicles, and bank vaults across the seven nations.

It has been observed that officers have seized more than 3,000 artefacts, including gold and silver coins and other antiquities, valued at over €100 million.

The operations resulted in 35 arrests linked to a network trafficking thousands of ancient objects taken from archaeological sites within Europe.

On the contrary, several suspects face charges including illegal heritage trafficking of thousands of ancient objects taken from historical sites throughout Europe.

Some suspects face charges including illicit antiquities trading and money laundering.

According to Kanev, the criminal group operated across western Europe, the Balkans, the US and elsewhere as investigators have traced more than $1 billion (€866 million) in criminal proceeds connected to the money laundering investigation.

Judicial and enforcement officials from Albania, France, Bulgaria, Germany, Greece, Italy, and the UK carried out concurrent operations on Wednesday.

The region targeted by the European-wide operations are known for their extensive Greek and Roman archaeological heritage, marking them a significant target for criminal networks involved in theft.

Nonetheless, the successful action demonstrates the effectiveness of international law enforcement coordination against organized crime.