The recovered 200 ancient coins (Israel Police)
In a major crackdown on illegal antiquities trafficking in Israel, authorities have seized approximately 200 ancient coins, arrowheads, and complete pottery vessels during a raid on the home of a Dimona resident. The suspect is believed to be involved in the illicit trade of historical artifacts, a serious offense under Israeli law.
The recovered items, dating back to various periods of ancient history, include rare and well-preserved relics of significant archaeological value. The Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) and law enforcement officials conducted the operation as part of ongoing efforts to combat the black market in cultural heritage and protect the nation’s rich historical legacy.
Officials emphasize that looting and illegal possession of antiquities not only violate national heritage laws but also rob future generations of valuable insights into the past. Experts will examine the seized artifacts and, if authentic, may eventually be displayed in Israeli museums or used for academic research.
Will you offer us a hand? Every gift, regardless of size, fuels our future.
Your critical contribution enables us to maintain our independence from shareholders or wealthy owners, allowing us to keep up reporting without bias. It means we can continue to make Jewish Business News available to everyone.
You can support us for as little as $1 via PayPal at [email protected].
Thank you.
In a search conducted Monday at the home of a Dimona resident, approximately 200 coins, arrowheads, pottery vessels and complete oil lamps, glass beads, pendants and metal items, and two metal detectors were seized, which were suspected of being held and sold illegally. The finds date from the Iron Age (9th century BC) to the Muslim period (7th century AD).
The search was carried out by detectives from the Dimona police station following suspicions that the suspect, a resident of the city in his 40s, was involved in illegal antiquities trade. During the search, various types of airsoft weapons with a large amount of ammunition and money in excess of 150,000 NIS in cash were also seized.
A joint investigation with the Israel Antiquities Authority and the Tax Authority investigated the suspicion of extensive trade in the items and export to interested parties around the world. All of the seized items were transferred for further processing and examination by the Israel Antiquities Authority.
“The findings that were allegedly seized in the suspect’s home indicate robbery and trafficking in antiquities, which were located with the aid of a metal detector and were removed from the ground, allegedly, without a license and in violation of the law,” said Rahamim Farjoun, an Antiquities Authority inspector. “This is heartbreaking. Every ancient object that is removed from its historical and archaeological context loses its scientific and cultural value and harms the historical puzzle of us all.”
