Authorities arrest gang over suspected antiquities trafficking in western Libya

The Tourism Police and Antiquities Protection Authority has announced the arrest of a criminal gang accused of attempting to sell items suspected to be antiquities in violation of the law.

According to the authority, the arrests followed a monitoring and investigation operation carried out by its Investigation and Evidence Collection Department, which uncovered the suspects’ activities after they advertised the items on social media.

All seized pieces have been secured and referred to specialists at the Department of Antiquities to determine their authenticity and historical period. The authority said legal procedures are being completed in coordination with the competent prosecution office.

The authority stressed that archaeological sites and artifacts are a vital part of Libya’s cultural and historical heritage and are protected under national laws.

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