Ancient Artefacts Smuggled in Lorry Full of Trousers Seized at Dover
A trailer loaded with trousers at the Port of Dover concealed a remarkable haul of ancient coins, pendants, brooches, statues, and spearheads. The priceless artefacts were uncovered on 27 October 2020 during a Border Force search of the vehicle.
Courier Caught Red-Handed
Dimitar Dimitrov, 41, working as a courier for a Bulgarian organised crime gang, has been jailed for two years. The case was cracked by Kent Police detectives, aided by the Metropolitan Police’s Art and Antiquities Unit and Bulgarian authorities.
At Canterbury Crown Court, Dimitrov initially denied knowledge of the artefacts hidden inside two black packages taped to the lorry’s chassis. He claimed the cargo was stashed there without his consent.
Digital Evidence Unmasked The Plot
Text messages on Dimitrov’s phone revealed he planned to deliver the ancient loot to a gang member to hawk them on London’s antique market. The lorry was stopped at 5.30am before the illegal goods could reach the UK capital.
Dimitrov, from Pazardzhik, Bulgaria, pled guilty to transferring criminal property before sentencing on 16 March 2021.
Officers Praise International Cooperation
“The illegal excavation of antiques robs Bulgaria of its cultural heritage,” said Detective Constable Max Gregory. “These criminals fund other crimes by smuggling stolen goods into the UK. Thanks to Border Force, we stopped Dimitrov in his tracks. We aim to return these treasures to Bulgaria while Dimitrov serves his sentence.”
Detective Sergeant Mark Hoddinott added, “Detective Constable Sophie Hayes secured expert testimony from the British Museum and worked with Bulgarian police to share vital intelligence. This sentence shows the serious harm caused by smuggling cultural goods. Our intervention protects the public from illicit antiques and strikes a blow against organised crime. Investigations continue to uncover others involved in this network.”
The dramatic seizure shines a spotlight on the fight to protect ancient treasures from tender theft and illegal trade, as UK authorities clamp down on smuggling rings.
