15.05.2026 22:00
In an operation conducted across 9 provinces centered in Konya, an international network that marketed Turkey's cultural heritage to auction houses abroad was dismantled. During the operation, where 204 million TL in money transfers were detected in exchange for illegally sold artifacts, over 500 cultural assets were seized and 10 people were arrested. Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy stated that the protection of artifacts without being removed from their original lands is essential.
In a historical artifact smuggling operation conducted across 9 provinces centered in Konya, a network assessed to have international connections was struck. 27 suspects were detained, and hundreds of historical artifacts were seized. Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, in a statement after the operation, gave the message, “These will remain in this land to which they belong.”
SALE TO AUCTION HOUSES ABROAD
Within the scope of the operation coordinated by the General Directorate of Security's KOM Department, it was determined that the network sold historical artifacts to auction houses abroad. Investigations revealed that approximately 204 million TL was transferred to Turkey in exchange for the illegally sold artifacts.
OVER 500 CULTURAL ASSETS SEIZED
In simultaneous operations carried out by the teams, 417 coins, 154 objects qualifying as historical artifacts, 3 books qualifying as historical artifacts, 10 detectors, and a large number of weapons and ammunition were seized.
Of the 27 detained suspects, 11 were released after their statements, while 6 were released under judicial control. 10 suspects were arrested by the court they were brought before.
NOTEWORTHY MESSAGE FROM MINISTER ERSOY
Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, in a statement on his social media account, stated that the fight against cultural property smuggling is not merely a security operation and used the following expressions:
“For us, the main issue is not bringing these artifacts back years later; it is ensuring they can be protected without ever being detached from the lands they belong to.”
“A CRIME NETWORK WAS DISMANTLED”
Minister Ersoy stated that thanks to the operation, not only were historical artifacts seized, but also the connections between auction houses abroad and individuals conducting illegal excavations, as well as money transfers, were uncovered.
In his statement, Ersoy said, “This successful operation has once again demonstrated Turkey's determination in the fight against cultural property smuggling to the world public opinion.”
THANKS TO THE MINISTRY OF INTERIOR
Mehmet Nuri Ersoy thanked Minister of Interior Mustafa Çiftçi for the operation and congratulated the police personnel who took part in it.