The arrest of three people, members of a criminal group, conducting illegal excavations and investigations at archaeological sites in northern Greece, proceeded yesterday, Sunday, June 15, 2025, in an area of ​​Imathia, police officers of the Organized Crime Officer of Greece.

At the expense of which a case was filed for a criminal organization, a violation of the protection of antiquities constantly, and for violating weapons legislation.

According to police, the detainees have recently joined a criminal group and systematically carried out illegal excavations and archaeological investigations both inside and outside the declared archaeological sites for the purpose of finding ancient monuments, while using special equipment.

Specifically, yesterday morning (15-06-2025) they were found to move to areas within declared archaeological sites in Imathia, and during archaeological investigations, they were immobilized and arrested.

In their possession, objects were found and seized for illegal excavations, such as a shovel, axis and a long rope.

In addition, after an autopsy carried out in a spot within a declared archaeological site, it was found that a 2.5 -meter and depth hole, at least 10 meters, was found at the entrance of which various woods were placed, while a plastic cover was located.

What was found in investigations

In subsequent surveys conducted in houses, a total of found and confiscated:

  • -6- coins, of which -4- are subject to the provisions of the archaeological law in accordance with the opinion of the competent Ephorate of Antiquities,
  • -2- Metal Detectors and Grilled Survival (Cemetery),
  • -9- books of archaeological interest and
  • -18- knives.

The seized objects will be sent to the Ephorate of Antiquities of Imathia for guard and further archaeological and commercial assessment.

The detainees are taken to the competent prosecutor’s office.