“Rogue ring” of antiquities and human traffickers Greek and Roman antiquities led the Italian police out of Rome, according to Reuters. During the operation, 16 people were arrested and more than 3,500 items were seized. These include hundreds of gold, silver, and copper coins, as well as jewelry, pottery, and other items dating back to the 4th century BC. before the 3rd century AD The seized objects come from illegal excavations carried out in Puglia, Campania and Basilicata in southern Italy.

According to the Italian police and its Department for the Protection of Cultural Heritage, the finds, which are of “invaluable historical, artistic as well as commercial value,” were supposed to be illegally exported to foreign countries. In addition to antiques, excavation tools, metal detectors, as well as documents confirming illegal operations inside and outside Italy were also seized.

The operation to dismantle the chain began last fall and even included surprise raids on illegal excavation sites. In addition to the 16 arrested, the Italian authorities are looking for five more people, and several dozen more are under close scrutiny of the investigation.