CAIRO - 25 June 2021: Security forces arrested a former lawmaker for leading a gang involved in excavating for and dealing in antiquities. The prosecution said it also detained 17 members of the gang he led for four days after they were caught red-handed while possessing 201 artifacts. Security authorities in Cairo had received information that a gang was excavating for antiquities in different areas, and collecting and dealing in them. The authorities revealed that former member of parliament Alaa Hasanein, who was previously charged in four cases, was leading the gang by providing funds for the excavation works nationwide. 2 - Carrying out excavation works with the intention of obtaining antiquities without a license, and in this case the excavation site is reserved until the Council conducts excavation work at the expense of the perpetrator.

Source: Egypt Today June 25, 2021 15:33 UTC