Egypt seizes 151 ancient artefacts, arrests suspected antiquities dealer
Dubai: Egyptian police have arrested a suspected antiquities dealer in Minya after seizing 151 artefacts allegedly unearthed during illegal excavations in a mountainous area and intended for sale, the Interior Ministry said. The suspect, from Abu Qurqas district in the southern Egyptian governorate, was detained following an investigation by the Tourism and Antiquities Police, in coordination…
Egyptian authorities have apprehended a suspected antiquities dealer in Minya province, seizing 151 artifacts allegedly unearthed through illegal excavations. The suspect, based in Abu Qurqas district, was detained by the Tourism and Antiquities Police in collaboration with local security forces. Among the recovered items were two ancient coffins, 37 statues of various materials, a statue base, an amulet, three vessels, a pottery flask, and 97 coins.
The suspect confessed to the illegal acquisition of the objects for potential sale. Experts confirmed the antiquities' authenticity, dating them to the Pharaonic, Greek, and Roman periods. Legal proceedings have been initiated against the suspect as Egypt strives to combat the illicit excavation, possession, and trafficking of antiquities, safeguarding the nation's archaeological heritage.
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