Minya Man Arrested After Egyptian Authorities Seize 151 Antiquities Intended for Illegal Sale

Egyptian security forces in Minya arrested a man found in possession of 151 ancient artefacts intended for illegal trade, the Interior Ministry said on Tuesday, 15 September.

The seized items included two ancient coffins, 37 statues made of limestone, and bronze, a statue base, an amulet, three vessels, a pottery flask, and 97 metal coins.

During questioning, the suspect admitted that the artefacts had been obtained through illegal excavation at a mountainous site in Abu Qurqas, Minya.

He also confirmed that he was holding the items with the intention of trading them unlawfully.

The Interior Ministry said the operation was carried out as part of ongoing efforts by Egypt’s security authorities to combat crimes involving the possession and illegal trade of archaeological artefacts, and to protect Egypt’s national treasures and heritage.

Authorities stated that the seized antiquities were presented to the relevant bodies, which confirmed that they were genuine and dated to the Pharaonic, Greek and Roman eras.

Legal measures are said to be taken against the suspect following the identification of the items and the findings reported during the investigation.