[MSN] Authorities arrested a Romanian national in Iraklion, Crete, yesterday who is thought to be the head of a gang that allegedly stole a priceless icon from a monastery in Leonidio, in the eastern Peloponnese.

[Museum Security Network Mailinglist]

Icon theft suspect arrested 

Authorities arrested a Romanian national in Iraklion, Crete, yesterday who
is thought to be the head of a gang that allegedly stole a priceless icon
from a monastery in Leonidio, in the eastern Peloponnese.

In August, a 700-year-old icon, which is said to have the power to work
miracles, was stolen from the cliff-side Elona Monastery.

Police said that they found jewelry and other items that had been placed on
the icon as votive offerings at the home of the 28-year-old suspect in
Crete.

Additionally, footage of the monastery was also found on the suspect's video
camera.

The icon was not located but investigations are continuing in Athens where
it may have been taken in order to be sold.

Two other Romanian nationals were also questioned in connection to the theft
yesterday in Tripolis, in the Peloponnese, and Kavala, northern Greece.

Police have also alerted their Romanian counterparts to be on the lookout
for the icon which may already have been smuggled out of the country.

http://www.ekathimerini.com/