[MSN] Authorities said yesterday that a 60-year-old businessman arrested in Iraklion, Crete, for possessing illegal antiquities could be linked to a large international smuggling operation.

[Museum Security Network Mailinglist]

Shop owner caught in Crete antiquities raid 

Authorities said yesterday that a 60-year-old businessman arrested in
Iraklion, Crete, for possessing illegal antiquities could be linked to a
large international smuggling operation.

The head of the Special Investigation Service, Michalis Anastassakis, said
that evidence does not currently point to illegal trade in antiquities but
he did not rule out the suspect being part of an international
antiquities-smuggling gang.

Police found in the suspect's possession an ancient marble funeral tablet,
two vases, 27 ancient coins and six icons dating from before the 19th
century, among other items.

Additionally, police found 159 bullets in a bank deposit box kept by the
suspect. Authorities did not identify the man, who owns a retail store in
Iraklion, as investigations into the issue continue