Istanbul: Individual caught selling Byzantine artifacts in Çatalca

A person identified as E. H. was apprehended by gendarmerie teams in the Çatalca district of Istanbul while attempting to sell Byzantine-era artifacts. The individual reportedly discovered the items while plowing a field.

During the operation conducted by the District Gendarmerie Command and the Gendarmerie Crime Research Team (JASAT), authorities seized a total of 52 historical pieces. The collection includes 48 silver coins, three rings, and one seal, all identified as belonging to the Byzantine period. The recovered artifacts have been handed over to the Museum Directorate for inspection and protection. Following legal proceedings at the gendarmerie command, the suspect was released by judicial authorities.