Authorities dismantled a major antiquities smuggling ring in Heraklion, Crete, on Wednesday (April 23), with members of the Greek “FBI” arresting six individuals.

According to reports, police officers, acting on information provided by private investigator Giorgos Tsoukalas, managed to locate the ring members in Heraklion. Following a police operation, they arrested six individuals, including a director of a public service—someone previously considered above suspicion. Further details about the identities have yet to be released.

The suspects allegedly rented a house in Heraklion where they stored the artifacts and displayed them to interested buyers.

According to sources, dozens of high-value antiquities were found during the investigation. Some estimates suggest the items are worth over three million euros.

Private investigator Mr. Tsoukalas told protothema.gr, “It was a major operation involving 25–30 police officers, as there was information that the suspects were armed. As for the findings, they include extremely valuable Cycladic figurines, a statue head, and other important artifacts of significant value.”