Balkan Art Trafficking Ring Busted

In a significant crackdown on cultural goods trafficking, Bulgarian authorities, with support from Europol, arrested 35 individuals on November 19, 2025. The operation targeted a network accused of looting invaluable antiquities from various Balkan countries.

The investigation, which began with a 2020 raid in Bulgaria, uncovered about 7,000 cultural artifacts, including Greco-Roman and Thracian items of immense historical importance. These artifacts, lacking proper provenance documentation, were suspected of being acquired illegally. Since the raid, these items have been held at the Bulgarian National History Museum in Sofia as investigations continued.

The November operation saw 131 searches across several countries, resulting in the seizure of over 3,000 artifacts valued at over EUR 100 million, alongside cash, weapons, and electronic equipment. The primary suspect is believed to have financed illegal excavations throughout Bulgaria and neighboring regions. The international effort involved coordination centers in Sofia and Eurojust, with participation from law enforcement and judicial authorities from Albania, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, and the United Kingdom.

The Balkan region, rich in Greek and Roman archaeological treasures, has long been a hotspot for art theft, driven by high demand from collectors and challenges in policing the art market. The operation highlights the critical role of international cooperation in preserving cultural heritage and combating the trafficking of stolen artifacts.