Bulgaria coordinated an international operation against antiquities trafficking

Over 3,000 antiques worth more than EUR 100 million have been seized in an international operation, coordinated from Sofia, the Greek police reported. One of the largest antiquities smuggling networks has been dismantled with the support of Europol and Eurojust. 35 people have been arrested. Authorities from Albania, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, and the United Kingdom participated in uncovering the network.

• Million-euro cultural artefact smuggling ring busted in Bulgaria

The investigation began after a search in Bulgaria in 2020, during which around 7,000 priceless Greco-Roman antiques were seized. According to 24chasa.bg, this is the collection of businessman Vasil Bozhkov. During the operation on November 19, 131 locations were searched – 1 in Albania, 120 in Bulgaria, 3 in France, 3 in Germany, and 4 in Greece. The group financed treasure hunters in Bulgaria, across the Balkans, and in Italy. Most of the antiques have no provenance documents or have dubious documentation.