The operation, carried out by the Provincial Gendarmerie Command, uncovered a group of individuals involved in the illegal trade of these culturally significant items.

According to the Provincial Gendarmerie Command, intelligence reports indicated that a group of four individuals was actively seeking buyers for a Bible containing Hebrew inscriptions, with an asking price of $500,000. Promptly launching an investigation, authorities were able to identify the suspects' whereabouts, pinpointing their residence in Istanbul's Eyüpsultan district.

With the gathered information, the Gendarmerie teams swiftly coordinated simultaneous operations at three different locations. During these operations, a total of 101 ancient coins originating from the Roman and Byzantine eras were seized, alongside a remarkable discovery—a 1,100-year-old Bible adorned with Hebrew writings, comprising 28 pages of leather and papyrus.

The successful operations led to the immediate apprehension of the four suspects who were actively engaged in the illegal sale of these historical artifacts. Following their arrest, the suspects were taken to the local police station for questioning, where they will be held accountable for their involvement in this illicit trade.

The recovered artifacts, considered invaluable cultural treasures, will be carefully examined by experts to determine their historical significance and potential contributions to our understanding of the Roman and Byzantine civilizations. Subsequently, the artifacts will undergo proper preservation and may be displayed in museums for public appreciation.

The Provincial Gendarmerie Command emphasized their commitment to combating the illegal trade of historical artifacts, preserving the country's rich cultural heritage, and bringing those responsible for such illicit activities to justice. The case will now proceed to the court, where the suspects will face legal consequences for their actions.

This operation serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding and preserving our shared history, ensuring that these invaluable artifacts remain protected and accessible for future generations to appreciate and study. (ILKHA)