Historical artifact smuggling operation in 7 provinces: 9 detained
In an operation targeting historical artifact smuggling across 7 provinces centered in Istanbul, 9 suspects were detained and a large number of historical artifacts were seized.
İHA
Under the coordination of the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, teams from the Istanbul Police Department's Anti-Smuggling Branch conducted an investigation to prevent the crime of "Violation of the Law No. 2863 on the Protection of Cultural and Natural Property."
SIMULTANEOUS OPERATION CARRIED OUT IN 7 PROVINCES
During the investigations conducted throughout Istanbul, teams identified that suspects were also located in other provinces and initiated the operation. In the simultaneous operation carried out in 7 provinces, including Istanbul, Kocaeli, Manisa, Bolu, Kayseri, Afyon, and Konya, 9 suspects were apprehended and detained.
Searches conducted at the addresses targeted in the operation resulted in the seizure of 1,313 coins, 93 various stone chisels and drilling tools of different forms and shapes, 39 metal objects of various forms and sizes, 8 rings, 5 arrowheads, 1 wooden ceiling medallion, and 1 detector.
On the other hand, it was learned that judicial proceedings have been initiated against the suspects.