Archaeological Smuggling Networks: Employee from Serrai Antiquities Authority Suspended

The employee of the Serrai Antiquities Authority, implicated in archaeological smuggling networks, has been suspended from duty by a decision of the Minister of Culture, Lina Mendoni. According to an official announcement from the Ministry of Culture, due to the involvement of this specific employee in illegal antiquities trading rings, immediate suspension was imposed in accordance with the provisions of the Public Employees Code. The statement further highlights that the prescribed zero-tolerance process will follow. Specifically, the Ministry’s announcement states: ‘By decision of the Minister of Culture, Lina Mendoni, following a written communication from the Hellenic Police, Vasilios Chatzigiorgakis, an employee under the DE Protection-Information branch, specializing as a night watchman, serving at the Serrai Antiquities Authority, is immediately placed on administrative leave, and the anticipated zero-tolerance procedure will proceed.’ This employee is alleged to have led the network accused of being a key player in targeted excavations and research. In his defense, he admitted to participating privately in searches for lyres and lost treasures (‘gold seekers’), a position echoed by most co-defendants who deny more serious charges related to antiquities smuggling. The accused was released on bail with travel restrictions and required regular police check-ins.