[MSN] Criminal charges were filed yesterday in connection to the alleged theft and illegal sale of an ancient gold wreath which is now owned by the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles.

[Museum Security Network Mailinglist]

New antiquity charges filed 
Criminal charges were filed yesterday in connection to the alleged theft and
illegal sale of an ancient gold wreath which is now owned by the J. Paul
Getty Museum in Los Angeles.

In the latest development in Greece's investigation into illegal
antiquities, Athens prosecutor Andreas Karaflos issued charges of illegal
excavation, smuggling and receiving stolen goods against "persons unknown."

An investigation by the Attica police's illegal antiquities department
revealed that the funerary wreath was sold to the Getty Museum in 1993 for
$1.15 million and that five people were involved in the artifact illegally
reaching the USA.

According to the police probe, the wreath, which dates to 320-300 BC, was
discovered by a farmer in a village in Serres, northern Greece, in 1990
while he was performing an illegal excavation.

The wreath was then sold to two Greek men in Munich, Germany, police sources
said.

With the help of a Serb man, the pair contacted an antiquities dealer in
Switzerland who arranged for a deal to be reached with the museum in LA.

Greek authorities believe that former Getty curator Marion True played a key
role in the exchange. True is on trial in Rome accused of having knowingly
bought stolen artifacts for the museum. True denies any wrongdoing.

Sources at the Culture Ministry said yesterday that the police investigation
strengthened Greece's hand in trying to negotiate for the return of the
wreath. The Getty Museum has already returned two ancient sculptures to
Greece after pressure from the government.

Greek authorities are also in talks with the museum over the return of a 6th
century BC marble statue and are investigating how this and a number of
other antiquities ended up with their current owners.
 
http://www.ekathimerini.com/