Italian police seize huge haul of illicit antiquities

 

More than 500 works, estimated to be worth around €2m and intended for the black market, have been recovered by police in southern Italy. The objects were illegally excavated between the two southern towns of Benevento and Foggia, near Naples. A total of 584 antiquities were recovered, estimated to be worth around €2m and intended for sale on the black market. 

Gangs of looters are running increasingly complex and technologically advanced operations in southern Italy and authorities are struggling to clamp down on the criminals. “What is clear,” Tomay said, “is that these predators are real professionals”.

This case is discussed here (11th June).

Tina Lepri and Ermanno Rivetti, 'Italian police seize huge haul of illicit antiquities', The Art Newspaper  Published online: 01 August 2013.