Three Iranians arrested in Greece on suspicion of antiquity smuggling

AFP: Greek authorities have arrested three Iranians attempting to sell three ancient Greek coins for 17,000 euros (20,000 dollars), the finance ministry inspection squad said on Monday. ATHENS, Jan 2 (AFP) – Greek authorities have arrested three Iranians attempting to sell three ancient Greek coins for 17,000 euros (20,000 dollars), the finance ministry inspection squad said on Monday.

The inspectors who conducted the arrest also confiscated pictures of hundreds of similar coins from the detainees, a ministry statement said.
Two of the Iranians were found to be in possession of an army knife, a hatchet and a small quantity of hashish.

The Iranians were taken to the Athens prosecutor, the statement said.

With an archaeological wealth dating back to prehistoric times, Greece has long been a target for smugglers attempting to remove valuable items for sale abroad.