DIICOT conducts 23 searches in Romania and Austria in artefact theft case

Police officers and DIICOT prosecutors carried out 23 searches on November 3, 2026, in a case involving thefts from the archaeological heritage and receiving stolen goods. Twenty-one searches took place in the counties of Hunedoara, Alba, Prahova and Timiș, while two others were conducted in Salzburg, Austria, under a European Investigation Order.

Investigators say that four defendants and eight suspects allegedly formed an organized criminal group to identify, steal and sell artefacts in order to obtain significant material benefits. The alleged offences include aggravated theft with particularly serious consequences and the unauthorized use of metal detectors in areas containing archaeological heritage.

During the searches, authorities seized 177 oxidized coins, two gold-colored coins, objects that appear to be Dacian axes, arrowheads, buckles, rings, bells, pendants and other metal items. Police also found ten metal detectors, a spectrometer, nitric acid solution and other means of evidence.

The artefacts will undergo expert examination to establish their authenticity, age, provenance, value and possible classification as part of the national cultural heritage. The four defendants were placed under judicial supervision for 60 days.