Greek police find gold rings, coins in plundering raids

ATHENS, Greece – Police in central Greece say they busted two gangs that allegedly used metal detectors to find and illegally excavate ancient artifacts that were sold on the black market for antiquities.

They say dozens of artifacts that included gold rings, a large coin collection, bronze jewelry, clay statuettes, pottery and iron weapons were seized during a series of home raids.

Police said Thursday the gangs were suspected of being active in Greece at least since early 2018 and sold many of the plundered artifacts dating from ancient times to the 19th century.

Eight suspects were arrested Wednesday in the towns of Larisa and Karditsa. A policeman was among another 13 people charged with involvement in the gangs’ alleged activities.