More evidence is released on the criminal organization, whose members were active in the possession and sale of religious images and other ancient objects. It is noted that the organization was dismissed by the Department of Combat The Trafficking and Trading of Humans and the goods of the Organized Crime Management Directorate.
6 people were arrested, including the abbot of the Holy Monastery
For the deconstruction of the organization, a coordinated police operation was held at noon yesterday, Sunday, September 7th, in areas of the Peloponnese, in which a total of a total of its 6 -member, were arrested. including the abbot of the Holy Monastery. The detainees have taken a deadline and are expected to apologize on Thursday.
It is recalled that in the ELAS operation. A female police officer appeared as an allegedly interested in buying images with attached banknotes.
They were charged with criminal organization, embezzlement, acceptance and disposal of crime products, weapons, as well as violations of laws on antiquities and cultural heritage and metal detectors in general.
It was preceded by an appropriate use of information, from further analysis of which, by specific investigative techniques, revealed that the defendants, at least since July 2025, had set up and joined a structured and constant criminal organization, with the aim of identifying, acquiring and further disposing for sale, antiquities, antiquities in Greece.
How did they act
In terms of mode (modus operandi), members of the organization were located by people who had ancient artifacts that were available to sell them and brought them into contact with an other member who appeared as a supposed specialist.
Subsequently, after completing the sale and took possession of the ancient ones, they were sold, through unknown associations of the organization, abroad.
The roles
Investigations also emerged the role of every member of the organization:
- A 69 -year -old had a leading role, making the final decisions on the sales and costing of antiquities, while appearing as a supposed appraiser,
- 59 -year -old and 66 -year -old, were tasked with finding people who had ancient artifacts and intended to sell them, and the second was also carried out by archaeological investigations and excavations,
- 3 people (39, 63 and 64 years old) were ancient objects holders (Gospels, ancient books and coins and Byzantine icons), who had agreed to sell to other members.
It is noted that the above 63 -year -old is a leader of the Holy Monastery of Achaia, while the 39 -year -old monk of the same monastery.
What was found in investigations
Overall, from the investigations carried out in houses and other sites, among other things, they were found and confiscated:
- -264- coins,
- -14-religious images,
- -2- Sacred Gospels and religious book of the 18th century,
- -3- Hierarchical beams,
- professional metal detection machine,
- -2- hunting weapons,
- -262- hunting cartridges,
- knife,
- -12.810- euro
- golden pound,
- -2- precision scales,
- 2- vehicles,
- -7- mobile,
- tablet,
- lens and magnifying lens,
- -18- photos depicting ancient artifacts and
- numerous documents – notes
The origin of the confiscated images, the two Holy Gospels and the ecclesiastical book is under investigation, and will be delivered for guard and appreciation to the relevant departments of the Ministry of Culture.
It is noted that the seized ancient coins will be delivered to the Monetary Museum.
Source: Skai
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