Greek law enforcement agencies have dismantled two criminal networks operating across northern Greece that specialized in the illicit excavation, possession, and trafficking of antiquities, according to Hellasjournal.com. The operation resulted in the arrest of 11 individuals, comprising 10 Greek nationals and one foreign national, including the suspected leaders of both rings.
The coordinated sweep took place on Thursday, October 8, 2026, across the regional units of Kozani, Kavala, Xanthi, Drama, Rodopi, and Evros. Sixty officers from the Northern Greece Organized Crime Sub-Directorate participated in the large-scale raids, which followed a multi-month preliminary investigation conducted by the Cultural Heritage and Antiquities Protection Office.
Organizations Use Identical Methods to Acquire Cultural Goods
Investigators determined that the two organizations had been operating with identical methods since at least September 2025. Their primary objectives were locating, acquiring, and subsequently disposing of cultural goods—either through illegal digging and archaeological surveys or by purchasing items from third parties who already possessed and wished to sell archaeological finds.
The groups relied on a network of local associates to gather intelligence regarding historical sites and potential targets. Target selection weighed not only the likelihood of uncovering artifacts but also terrain accessibility, projected financial returns, and the risk of detection by authorities. When suspicious sites were identified, members deployed specialized equipment including metal detectors and ground-probing devices, alongside digging tools such as picks, rotary hammers, and generators.
According to e-koufalia.gr, the suspects utilized specific coded terminology during phone communications to evade law enforcement monitoring, referring to ancient coins as kèrma (coin), silver and gold coins in good condition as aspra (whites), and major antiquities discoveries as thavma (miracle). However, members preferred in-person meetings conducted under counter-surveillance protocols.
Authorities Identify Ringleaders Who Managed Illicit Excavations
Authorities identified the alleged director of the first ring as having central operational control, managing intelligence gathering, logistical preparation, target selection, security measures, and the division of illicit profits. This leader reportedly possessed valuation expertise and decided which items to purchase for resale to buyers abroad.
Among those apprehended as ringleaders was an active-duty military serviceman who allegedly directed systematic illicit excavations, primarily within the Evros region. All suspects face charges varying by individual involvement, including forming a criminal organization, violations of legislation protecting cultural heritage, and weapons offenses.
During searches of homes and business premises, officers confiscated a vast array of artifacts and equipment, including numerous ancient coins, a bronze sculptural group depicting a horse and rider, fragments of bronze bells, rings, buckles, fibulae, vessel handles, decorative elements, lead objects, fragments of clay vessels, amphorae, decorated ceramic sherds, architectural fragments, a gold ring, three hunting weapons, an air pistol with compressed air cartridges, and a bayonet. Additional items requiring further analysis under antiquities laws—such as cartridge casings, lead bullets, and perforated coins—were also recovered.
Recovered antiquities are scheduled for transfer to the Thessaloniki Ephorate of Antiquities for safekeeping, final evaluation, and appraisal, while the detainees await appearance before competent prosecutorial authorities.