On the afternoon of last Friday, in the Phocis region, two Greek nationals were arrested by officers of the Efpalio Police Department for violations of legislation regarding the protection of antiquities and cultural heritage in general.

Specifically, following careful analysis of intelligence and extensive investigations in the wider area, the suspects were found on a plot of land not belonging to them, conducting excavation work and creating a vertical tunnel near an archaeological site.

It was determined that a vertical tunnel in the form of a cave, approximately 12 meters deep, had been dug, with horizontal levels formed and supported by metal pillars.

Additionally, investigators found a ventilation system, a water drainage system for rain and underground water to prevent soil erosion, an electric lift for removing excavated materials, full electrical wiring with lights throughout the tunnel, and various excavation tools (mechanical, electric, and manual).

In a car found at the site, belonging to one of the suspects, as well as at the excavation site, authorities seized:

• 4 metal support pillars and electric drills (compressors)
• Various agricultural tools (shovel, hoe, pickaxe, etc.)
• Part of the ventilation system and the electric lift
• 9 drill bits and a transport cart
• Part of a plastic pipe from the water drainage system
• Metal cutters, extension cords and power strips, a pair of gloves, a headlamp, and a handheld flashlight

The aforementioned car was also confiscated as a means of transporting tools and excavated material.

Furthermore, during lawful searches of the suspects’ homes, authorities seized:

• A portable electronic device
• Cash amounts of €18,380, $5,774 (USD), and 6,500 LEU (Romanian currency)
• A metal detector and a metal rod–detector

The Phocis Antiquities Office was informed of the case, as the excavation site is located near a local archaeological site.

The preliminary investigation was conducted by the Efpalio Police Department, and the suspects were brought before the Amfissa Prosecutor’s Office and referred to the Investigative Authorities to provide testimony.