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Friday, 8th August 2008 (2226 views)

A group of people who allegedly attempted to smuggle ancient gold bracelets out of Romania are to be tried, reports the International Herald Tribune.

Between 1996 and 2005, the ten individuals apparently stole an assortment of jewellery and coins to be sold on the international black market.

The artefacts were swiped from Sarmizegetusa Regia, which is an archaeological site owned by the government in the north west of Romania.

Prosecutors for the case said the defendants will be charged "with illegally digging at a historical site, concealing stolen goods and stealing items of national heritage".

The 15 2,000-year-old spiral-shaped gold bracelets taken from the dig are said to have been the most valuable objects taken. Only nine have been recovered so far and these are valued together at a minimum of €3 million (£2.35 million).

Over 30 more people are being investigated as part of the case.

In other news, last month a man was arrested in Thailand after being caught with 275 smuggled gold bars, each weighing ten kilograms, reported the Bangkok Post.

 

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