8,597 coins seized in France to be returned to Turkey
8,597 coins seized as a result of a 3-year investigation by French authorities will be returned to Turkey through diplomatic channels.
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According to reports in the national press, an illegal antiquities smuggling network was dismantled as a result of a 3-year investigation by the French Customs Intelligence Service (DNRED).
In 2022, French customs officers found 8,597 coins originating from Anatolia dating back to the 6th century in a house.
It was determined that these coins were kept in boxes all over the house, as well as in a television cabinet and freezer bags.
MORE THAN 7 THOUSAND SOLD
Research revealed that the residents of this house had already illegally sold more than 7,000 of the 15,000 antiquities they held.
The total value of the 15,000 artifacts is estimated to be 1.5 million euros.
The organizers of this smuggling network were arrested in Turkey by Turkish authorities.
WILL APPEAR IN COURT
The person living in the house where the smuggled artifacts were found will soon appear before a judge in a local court.
The antiquities identified by French authorities in the house will be returned to Turkey through diplomatic channels.