The Antiquities Authority is investigating a citizen who robbed excavation sites.
The Antiquities Authority’s Theft Prevention Unit is investigating a Modiin resident suspected of embezzling 1,500 valuable artifacts, including rare ancient coins. Details will be announced June 4 on local news site mynet.
There are many archaeological sites around Modiin. Scientists find artifacts from the period of the Hasmonean dynasty to Roman rule. Sometimes archaeologists notice traces of illegal search for valuables and petty theft on objects. But what was discovered in the apartment of a resident of Modiin surprised even worldly-wise scientists.
The head of the Antiquities Authority, Eli Ascosido, believes that some of the items found in the suspect’s apartment were recently stolen from excavations. According to a report published by the Antiquities Authority, among the items were: a coin from the period of the great revolt against the Romans 2000 years ago, coins from the time of the Bar Kochba revolt, ancient jewelry.
The report says that during a search of the apartment, envelopes were found, with the help of which the suspect was going to send coins to recipients abroad. This will serve as evidence in court about the preparation of illegal transactions for the sale of archaeological treasures.
By law, any resident of Israel who finds an object of historical or archaeological value must report it to the Antiquities Authority or the police. Carrying artifacts from excavation sites, and even more so robbing and devastating archaeological sites, is prohibited by law.
Upon completion of the investigation, an indictment will be filed against the suspect from Modiin. It is estimated that this will happen in a few weeks.
Photo: Ancient objects found in suspect’s apartment (Antiquities Administration)
