Egyptian authorities have arrested a man in Upper Egypt for illegally possessing hundreds of ancient artifacts, including statues, coins, masks, pottery, and amulets, spanning several historical periods. The suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed, is a repeat offender who acquired the items through illicit excavation, according to a statement from the Interior Ministry.
The arrest took place in Assiut Governorate, where police are now investigating the scale of the illegal operation and whether others were involved. The authorities’ action is part of ongoing efforts to curb the illegal trade of antiquities in Egypt.
This arrest follows a similar crackdown in August, when Egyptian police detained a former lawmaker and others linked to the illegal excavation and smuggling of over 200 Pharaonic, Greek, and Roman artifacts. In response, the Egyptian government has introduced stricter regulations and heightened security measures to protect the nation’s cultural heritage.
