Archaeological Rare Pieces: Dismantling Of A Network

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                                  Archaeological rare pieces : dismantling of a network






25 January, 2009 
EnnaharOnLine

The research Section of the National Gendarmerie has succeeded in dismantling an international network traffic of Algerian archaeological pieces. The activities of the network stretching from Algeria to Tunisia, Libya, France and to Italy.

The main defendant « C. L. », aged 40 was arrested in possession of two rare statues representing a queen and a king. He tried to sell them to an Israeli citizen through an intermediary of Tunisian nationality.

The National Gendarmerie of Tébessa proceeded to the identification of traffickers, on information they received concerning the existence of an international network specialized in the trafficking and sale of rare archaeological pieces, according on declarations of a communication cell to Ennahar.

Investigators were able to identify the trafficker C. L. from Chréa, department of Tébessa. After authorization of the prosecutor, the police managed to infiltrate the network.

The defendant had in his possession two archaeological pieces that he tried to sell for the amount of 850 million centimes. A trap was set by the undercover cop who made him believe he wanted to acquire the pieces for resale. An arrangement was made between the two on the place where the objects would be delivered and so he was arrested in possession of two small statues of yellow metal representing a king and a queen.

The police found on him a mobile phone containing pictures of various archaeological rare pieces. This latter said he had found them in the region of Tlidjene a year ago and would sell them to a French citizen whom he ignore the identity and that this one had proposed 800 million centimes. Wanting more, he made contact with an Israeli national who was interested in buying the two pieces through a Tunisian.




Ennahar
/ Nachida Kouadri


http://www.archaeologynews.org/link.asp?ID=383155&Title=Archaeological%20rare%20pieces%20:%20dismantling%20of%20a%20network