Abbot of Kalavryta Monastery arrested for antiquities smuggling
A major antiquities smuggling case has been uncovered at the Monastery of Spilaio in Kalavryta, following an investigation by the Directorate for Organized Crime. Police arrested the abbot of the monastery along with his assistant.
According to reports in many news sites, they were preparing to sell on the black market two gospels dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries, as well as dozens of Christian icons.
The sting operation unfolded when a female undercover officer — posing as a member of a smuggling network and a potential buyer — approached the abbot. They allegedly agreed on the sale of 17 Christian icons, including several Byzantine ones, for a total of €200,000.
When the time came for the transaction, the officer revealed her identity and both clergymen were arrested on the spot.
Police have also detained four civilians in connection with the case, one of whom is a pawnbroker.
A special team from the Ministry of Culture is now assessing the value of the religious artifacts. Well-informed sources say that stolen icons have also been identified within the monastery.
