Afət Ziyadqızı
Law enforcement officers seized 529 ancient coins believed to date from the Roman Empire during an operation in the Çaldıran district of Türkiye’s Van province.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that the operation was carried out by Van Provincial Gendarmerie Command forces under the coordination of the Çaldıran Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office. Gendarmerie officers acted on intelligence about the illegal trade and smuggling of cultural and historical artifacts and antiquities in the Burçakalan neighborhood.
A search at the identified address uncovered 529 ancient coins and three metal detectors allegedly used for illegal archaeological excavations.
The seized cultural artifacts were transferred to the Van Museum Directorate for expert assessment and scientific research. Criminal proceedings and investigative measures have been initiated against a person identified by the initials K.B. in connection with the case.
