Saturday, February 2, 2013

Albania Police Nab Antique Thief at Greek Border; Tried to Smuggle Rel. Antiques in Car into Greece

Albanian police at the border crossing of Kakavije with Greece arrested Edjon Abazi yesterday for trying to smuggle religious antiques out of the country in the trunk of his car, the Balkan Insight website reports today (February 2, 2013).

Police then searched Abazi's home in the Albanian port town of Durres, where they found a treasure trove of antiques coming from the black market.

Police found 16 medieval jars of various sizes, 11 antique marble columns, two amphoras, and dozens of other smaller objects.

Since the collapse of communism in 1991, Albania's museums and archeological sites have suffered many thefts. Medieval Greek Orthodox churches -- particularly those located in remote areas -- have often fallen prey of thieves.

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