A gang of cultural heritage plunders arrested in Macedonia Automatic translate

SKOPJE. A criminal group engaged in theft and illegal trafficking of objects of cultural and archaeological significance was detained in Macedonia. Various sources mention 14 or 15 arrested gang members, in which there were a total of 19 people, including one active police officer and two guards from the Office for the Protection of Cultural Heritage. It was they who ensured the transfer of the main number of values ​​for subsequent resale. Three more gang members were detained earlier, and two still remain at large.

At the time of their arrest, artifacts worth several tens of thousands of euros were seized from the criminals, including ancient coins depicting Alexander the Great, icons, church books, metal, ceramic and bronze objects. However, the overall damage to the cultural heritage of Macedonia has yet to be assessed. According to experts, since 1991, the country has lost about a million pieces of art, some of which are priceless.

According to police, the group conducted its own illegal archaeological research, during which they managed to get coins and other artifacts. However, not limited to "black digging", gang members traded theft of paintings and ancient icons. With the support of a police officer who was a member of the gang, unhindered export of the stolen abroad was organized.

Charges will be brought against detainees on several counts at once, including misappropriation and export of cultural heritage, abuse of official position and power.

Anna Sidorova © Gallerix.ru