In 4 different operations organized by the Istanbul Provincial Gendarmerie Command teams, 47 coins, 2 paintings, 32 objects and 2 orthodox icons, which are considered to belong to the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman periods, were seized. 6 people who were taken into custody along with the historical artifacts were caught and sent to the judicial authorities.
The teams affiliated to the Istanbul Provincial Gendarmerie Command received the notice that the suspects, who were found to be smugglers of historical artifacts in Eyüpsultan, were looking for customers. Evaluating the report, the teams were informed that as a result of intelligence studies, physical and technical follow-up, the suspects would bring the historical artifacts to two separate addresses in Eyüpsultan. During the operation of the Gendarmerie, suspects T.Ö., AT, S.Ş., H.Ö., YK and AC were caught. During the searches conducted at two different addresses and on the suspects, 47 coins, 2 paintings, 32 objects and 2 orthodox icons, which are considered to belong to the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman periods, were seized. The seized artifacts were handed over to the Istanbul Archeology Museums Directorate for examination. Within the scope of the Law on the Protection of Cultural and Natural Assets, a total of 83 coins and objects were taken under protection by the Istanbul Archeology Museums Directorate. The suspects, who were taken into custody, were referred to the judicial authorities after their statements were taken.