Kalavryta: Antiquities Smuggling Ring Busted ā Coins and 18th Century Gospels
The Hellenic Police dismantled a criminal organization in the Kalavryta region involved in the illegal trafficking of antiquities. A monastery abbot is at the center of the case and has been arrested.
During the searches, 264 ancient coins, 14 Byzantine icons, two Holy Gospels, and an 18th-century ecclesiastical book were seized. Additionally, ā¬12,810, weapons, and a metal detector were found.
According to the Hellenic Police announcement, the organization had been operating since at least July 2025, locating and selling antiquities in Greece and abroad. The arrested abbot was removed from his position by the Metropolitan of Aigialeia and Kalavryta.
The seized items will be handed over to the Ministry of Culture and the Numismatic Museum for assessment and safekeeping.