International Crackdown on Cultural Heritage Crime
A significant international law enforcement operation, spearheaded by Bulgarian authorities with crucial support from Europol and Eurojust, has led to the arrest of 35 individuals in Bulgaria. The coordinated action on November 19, 2025, successfully dismantled a sophisticated criminal network responsible for the large-scale trafficking of cultural goods across Europe and beyond.
The operation involved judicial and law enforcement authorities from Albania, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, and the United Kingdom, highlighting the transnational nature of the criminal enterprise. Coordinated actions were executed from centers in Sofia, Bulgaria, and at Eurojust in The Hague.
Extensive Searches and Significant Seizures
During the action day, authorities conducted a total of 131 searches across multiple countries, including 120 in Bulgaria, 1 in Albania, 3 in France, 3 in Germany, and 4 in Greece.
The seizures were substantial, yielding over 3,000 artifacts with an estimated value exceeding €100 million. These included:
- Antique golden and silver coins
- Various other antiquities
- Artworks
- Weapons
- Documents and electronic equipment
- Over €50,000 in cash
- Investment gold
Bulgarian Prosecutor Angel Kanev stated that the money laundering investigation associated with the network has so far identified over $1 billion in illicit funds.
The Criminal Network's Modus Operandi
The dismantled criminal group is believed to have operated for more than 16 years, extending its reach across Western Europe, the Balkans, and even the United States. Their activities included financing illegal excavations in Bulgaria and neighboring Balkan countries, falsifying documentation for artifacts, and then selling them through auction houses globally. Officials estimate the total value of stolen goods handled by the group, including those not yet recovered, could be as high as €870 million.
The investigation originated from a house raid in Bulgaria in 2020, where police seized approximately 7,000 cultural artifacts. These items, primarily Greco-Roman and Thracian antiquities, some dating back to 2000 BC, lacked clear documentation, raising suspicions of illegal acquisition. These artifacts have since been stored at the Bulgarian National Historical Museum in Sofia. A 'High-Value Target' (HVT) is suspected of leading the trafficking operation and financing the illegal excavations.
Ongoing Investigations and International Cooperation
The operation was facilitated by a Europol operational task force, established in June 2024 at the initiative of Bulgarian authorities, to enhance information exchange, coordination, and analytical support. Boyan Raev, head of the General Directorate for the Fight against Organized Crime (GDBOP), noted that 'thousands of objects of cultural value' were found, with the number continuing to grow. Investigations into the criminal group and the trafficked artifacts are ongoing.
6 Comments
Fuerza
Identifying over $1 billion in illicit funds is a substantial blow to the network's financial power. Still, merely seizing some cash doesn't guarantee the complete dismantling of the complex financial infrastructure supporting such global operations.
Manolo Noriega
Recovering over 3,000 artifacts is a commendable effort, yet the estimated €870 million value of stolen goods suggests much more is still out there. Efforts must now focus on tracing and repatriating those unrecovered items.
Fuerza
Finally, a major win against these criminals. Well done!
Ongania
The international collaboration seen in this operation is truly vital for tackling transnational crime. However, the continued financing of illegal excavations in Bulgaria indicates underlying socio-economic factors that need stronger local and governmental attention.
Manolo Noriega
Excellent work by Europol! Protecting our cultural heritage is vital.
ZmeeLove
This operation is a positive step in protecting invaluable cultural heritage, especially the Greco-Roman and Thracian antiquities. Yet, without addressing the persistent global demand that fuels this illicit trade, new networks will inevitably emerge to fill the void.