In Kyiv region, the SBU exposed smugglers who tried to export to the EU almost 30 parcels with antiques dating back to the 1^st millennium BC and the period of Kyevan Rus.

The SBU established that the group included several residents of Kyiv region. Dealers bought cultural property from local collectors. They searched for their foreign clients via the Internet, including on specialized websites.

The offenders planned to send the goods via international postal services.

During the searches at the offenders’ residences, law enforcement officers found antiques prepared for illegal export, in particular:

• wares and jewelry of the first millennium BC and the period of Kyevan Rus;
• cold weapon, silver coins and household items of the first millennium AD.

Examination confirmed that the seized items are cultural values.

One of the organizers received a suspicion notice of smuggling. Investigative actions are underway to prosecute other people involved in illegal activities.

The operation was carried out by the SBU Main Directorate for Combating Corruption and Organized Crime jointly with the SBU Main Investigation Department, under the supervision of the Prosecutor General’s Office.