Police arrest Athens man for antiquities smuggling

A 79-year-old man was arrested in the Amerikis Square area of Athens for the illegal possession of precious artifacts dating to prehistoric times, authorities said on Monday.

In a search of his home and vehicle, police found 16 artifacts, including vessels from different periods, clay idols and more.

Police said the man did not have any legal documents for the objects, while they are also investigating the providence of a further five items which appear to be from South America.

The 79-year-old, a collector, told investigators he found the latter in the house of a lawyer who is now dead.