Antiquities robbers were caught 'red-handed': looking for gold

Robbery Prevention Unit inspectors at the Antiquities Authority seized two ancient robbery squads "in the act" while illegally excavating the antiquities sites.

Yesterday four robbers were caught digging the antiquities site near the Megiddo Prison. According to them - they were looking for gold. Suspects - members of one family, residents of the nearby village of Salem - dug to a depth of about 3 meters, probably in the ancient wine press. They were detained for questioning at the police station in Umm al-Fahm, were questioned and released on bail.

Another event occurred the morning after the seder, near the village of Kabul in the Lower Galilee. In this event five suspects were caught in the neighboring village of Tamra, while digging in the burial cave dated to the Roman - Byzantine period. Suspects were detained at the Shfaram police station, questioned and released on bail.
According to Nir Distelfeld from the Robbery Prevention Unit at the Antiquities Authority, "The robbers carried out illegal excavations in the ancient sites, causing injury and permanent damage to all of us. They may be looking for gold, but remains are of priceless heritage. They must be looked after."

Antiquities Authority said that damage to antiquities site is a criminal offense and the punishment is up to five years in prison. Israel Antiquities Authority inspectors work in all the ancient sites in the country throughout the year, in order to protect and preserve the sites.

Investigation material will be in the coming days to file charges against those involved.

'בחדרי' גם ברשתות החברתיות - הצטרפו!