SKOPJE, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Macedonian Public Prosecutor's Office charged 13 people with offenses against cultural heritage, Macedonian Interior (MoI) affairs spokesman Toni Angelovski told a press conference on Saturday.
According to the Angelovski, the operation was carried out in order to bust an organized criminal ring.
The police seized many artifacts such as coins, precious and semi-precious stones, antiquities like jewellery, sculptures, ceramics and bronze items, mobile phones, gun holsters etc.
"The damage done is not yet known, but these items are considered of invaluable importance," emphasized Angelovski.
The suspects are charged with criminal associations, illegal ownership of goods under temporary protection or cultural heritage, illicit trafficking of artifacts and cover-up.
