Nea Ionia: Two arrested for theft of artworks worth over 200,000 euros

Two men, aged 24 and 29, were arrested by rapid response police officers in Nea Ionia while they were in the process of stealing artworks from a sculpture studio. The studio is recognized by the Ministry of Culture as a protected monument, serving as an example of early 20th-century industrial architecture.

Investigations by the Nea Ionia Crime Investigation Department revealed five separate theft incidents. The suspects are believed to have carried out multiple thefts over the past two weeks, with the total value of the stolen artworks estimated to exceed 200,000 euros. Police also seized various burglary tools from the suspects' possession.

The individuals face charges including aggravated theft, damage to property, and violations of legislation regarding the protection of antiquities and cultural heritage. They have been brought before the competent prosecutor.