Antiquities Smuggling Rings: Marathon Hearings for the 23 Arrested – Key Figure Faces Court Tomorrow

The final phase of hearings is underway in Thessaloniki and Serres for the 23 individuals arrested on charges of involvement in antiquities smuggling. This case was uncovered by detectives from the Northern Greece Organized Crime Unit. The legal process in Thessaloniki will continue on Tuesday (18.03.2025) and conclude on Wednesday (19.03.2025), when a 63-year-old man, considered a key figure in the operation, will appear before the examining magistrate. Earlier today (17.03.2025), eight out of nine detainees in the Serres court were released under restrictive conditions. The last defendant will testify tomorrow, while the other 14 involved in the same case have been referred to the third special examining magistrate in Thessaloniki. Among the 23 defendants accused of severe crimes, including criminal organization, artifact smuggling, illegal excavations, and trafficking, three distinct rings were identified—two based in Serres and one in Thessaloniki. Authorities allege that they conducted illegal digs at various archaeological sites, including the Kasta Tomb and Amphipolis area. One of the key figures includes an employee of the Serres Antiquities Ephorate who reportedly led targeted excavations. During his testimony, he admitted to participating privately in searches for lost treasures but denied grave robbing allegations. Various ancient artifacts were recovered during police investigations, including coins, sculptures, jewelry, and religious icons. Sophisticated tools used for detection and excavation were also seized, along with explosives intended for blasting operations. All confiscated items have been transferred to the relevant Ephorate for preservation and evaluation.