This image released on Thursday by the Bulgarian Interior Ministry shows antique artefacts as law enforcement agencies dismantled a criminal network in an operation spanning seven countries.

Law enforcement agencies working across several countries dismantled a sophisticated criminal network trafficking stolen cultural goods across Europe, Bulgarian authorities said Thursday.

A co-ordinated international operation spanning seven countries working with Eurojust and Europol led to the arrest of 35 suspects linked to a smuggling ring that was attempting to sell thousands of ancient artifacts stolen from museums across Europe. Around 20 people face charges of antiquities trafficking and money laundering, Bulgarian Prosecutor Angel Kanev told a news briefing.

Kanev said the criminal group ha

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