site.btaPart of International Smuggling Channel for Illegally Obtained Cultural Valuables Busted in Bulgaria

Sofia, March 20 (BTA) - An operation of the Chief Directorate for Combating Organized Crime (CDCOC) neutralized an organized group for offences relating to cultural property, the Interior Ministry said in a press release Tuesday. It transpired during the investigation that this group is part of an international channel for smuggling movable cultural valuables obtained illegally by treasure hunters on Bulgarian territory.

The CDCOC structures in Plovdiv, Pazardjik, Smolyan, and Stara Zagora took part in the operation.

According to preliminary data, the illegally traded artifacts were used to complement unregistered private collections as well as to supply other dealers of movable cultural valuables, later exported abroad for the purpose of trade and provision of financial resources.

Found were 95 movable archaeological items (85 ancient coins and 10 ornaments) and other items of exceptional cultural historical, scientific, and financial value. Seized were equipment and 11 numismatic catalogues with official registration, personal data, email addresses and other documents from auction houses for sold archaeological items in Germany, Austria and the UK.