Two people were arrested for antiquities theft in Ioannina, in whose possession amphorae and images of value were found.

In particular, on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, a 59-year-old woman and a 64-year-old man were arrested accused of violating the legislation on the protection of antiquities and cultural heritage.

According to the police there was information that the woman had antiquities in her house which she intended to sell. An investigation followed, while a special unit of the service was formed and with the assistance of a judicial officer, the 59-year-old woman was located and arrested.

Ancient

The investigation also revealed the involvement of the 64-year-old in the case, who was also arrested as he had planned the purchase and sale of two amphorae with a 48-year-old foreigner, who is included in the case file and is wanted.

In their possession as well as from the searches carried out in a house – among others – were found and confiscated:

  • 2 pointed amphorae from Roman times,
  • 2 two-sided icons, depicting the Virgin Mary and Saints,
  • 3 icons, depicting Saint George,
  • small amphora, probably from Byzantine times,
  • closed type vitrified vessel,
  • silver coin of Ancient Athens, probably from the 4th century BC,
  • a suitcase with -2- pairs of wands, an electronic wand tuning device and its charger and
  • metal detector.

The antiquities were handed over for safekeeping and appreciation to the Archaeological Museum of Ioannina and the Byzantine Museum of Ioannina.

Those arrested were taken to the competent prosecuting authority