Latest news with #Talayotic
Vancouver Sun
23-05-2025
- Vancouver Sun
Woman busted for total of 64 objects of historical value, 1,576 ancient coins in Spain
A woman who was busted in Spain last year with ancient artifacts is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to art trafficking across Europe. An operation against the trafficking of cultural goods has led to 80 arrests and the seizure of 37,727 items, including archaeological pieces, artworks, coins and musical instruments, according to recent data released by the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) in a news release . 80 arrests and more than 37,700 cultural goods seized in major art trafficking bust under Operation Pandora. The joint effort involved @Europol , the @WCO_OMD , and INTERPOL. Seized items included archaeological pieces, artworks, coins, and musical instruments. The woman, who has not been named by authorities, was travelling from Mallorca when she was stopped as part of a search by the Spanish Civil Guard. She was attempting to fly to Germany with 55 ancient coins and a ring, Interpol said. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. The woman said she was bringing the items back to Germany and that they had belonged to her late husband, who was an archaeologist and diver, the Washington Post reported . A spokesperson for the Civil Guard told the publication that the woman said she was going to take the objects to Germany for evaluation so they could be sold. This eventually led to the Civil Guard uncovering and confiscating 64 objects of historical value and 1,576 ancient coins. The items dated back to between 1600 and 123 B.C. and were part of Talayotic culture, per the Civil Guard, the Washington Post reported. According to the publication, the couple's daughter had accompanied her father on trips to recover objects. She is facing charges of plundering underwater wrecks and archaeological sites. The items are now being catalogued by the Museum of Mallorca, the Washington Post said, and are expected to be put on display. This is one of hundreds of instances involving the trafficking of cultural goods last year, the international police organization said. In 2024, the ninth edition of the operation, which has been dubbed Pandora IX, involved law enforcement and customs authorities from 23 countries. It was launched in 2016 as a global initiative to protect cultural heritage from illicit trafficking. There were a total of 258 cases reported last year alone. Many investigations are currently underway. In another Spanish case, the Civil Guard 'dismantled a criminal group involved in archaeological looting in the province of Cáceres.' Six people were arrested and three others are under investigation, Interpol said. Authorities recovered 2,500 archaeological items, mainly Roman coins minted in the Celtiberian city of Tamusia. The items had been looted from 'protected archaeological sites in the province of Cáceres using metal detectors and were being sold illegally through social media platforms,' per Interpol. Last year, authorities confiscated 69 metal detectors and 23 tools commonly used for illegal excavations. Countries that participated in Pandora IX include Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Malta, Moldova, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Spain, Ukraine, and the United States. Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here .
Calgary Herald
23-05-2025
- Calgary Herald
Woman busted for total of 64 objects of historical value, 1,576 ancient coins in Spain
Article content A woman who was busted in Spain last year with ancient artifacts is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to art trafficking across Europe. Article content Article content An operation against the trafficking of cultural goods has led to 80 arrests and the seizure of 37,727 items, including archaeological pieces, artworks, coins and musical instruments, according to recent data released by the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) in a news release. Article content Article content 80 arrests and more than 37,700 cultural goods seized in major art trafficking bust under Operation Pandora. The joint effort involved @Europol, the @WCO_OMD, and INTERPOL. Seized items included archaeological pieces, artworks, coins, and musical instruments. — INTERPOL (@INTERPOL_HQ) May 22, 2025 Article content The woman, who has not been named by authorities, was travelling from Mallorca when she was stopped as part of a search by the Spanish Civil Guard. She was attempting to fly to Germany with 55 ancient coins and a ring, Interpol said. Article content Article content The woman said she was bringing the items back to Germany and that they had belonged to her late husband, who was an archaeologist and diver, the Washington Post reported. A spokesperson for the Civil Guard told the publication that the woman said she was going to take the objects to Germany for evaluation so they could be sold. Article content This eventually led to the Civil Guard uncovering and confiscating 64 objects of historical value and 1,576 ancient coins. The items dated back to between 1600 and 123 B.C. and were part of Talayotic culture, per the Civil Guard, the Washington Post reported. Article content According to the publication, the couple's daughter had accompanied her father on trips to recover objects. She is facing charges of plundering underwater wrecks and archaeological sites. Article content Article content The items are now being catalogued by the Museum of Mallorca, the Washington Post said, and are expected to be put on display. Article content Article content This is one of hundreds of instances involving the trafficking of cultural goods last year, the international police organization said. In 2024, the ninth edition of the operation, which has been dubbed Pandora IX, involved law enforcement and customs authorities from 23 countries. It was launched in 2016 as a global initiative to protect cultural heritage from illicit trafficking. Article content There were a total of 258 cases reported last year alone. Many investigations are currently underway. Article content In another Spanish case, the Civil Guard 'dismantled a criminal group involved in archaeological looting in the province of Cáceres.' Six people were arrested and three others are under investigation, Interpol said. Article content Article content Authorities recovered 2,500 archaeological items, mainly Roman coins minted in the Celtiberian city of Tamusia. The items had been looted from 'protected archaeological sites in the province of Cáceres using metal detectors and were being sold illegally through social media platforms,' per Interpol.
Toronto Sun
22-05-2025
- Toronto Sun
Shipwreck plunder, art among nearly 38,000 items seized in police crackdown
Published May 22, 2025 • 3 minute read The Spanish Civil Guard recovered thousands of archeological items, mostly Roman coins. Photo by Interpol It was October 2024 when a woman travelling from the sunny Mediterranean island of Mallorca to Germany was stopped by Spain's customs police for a routine inspection. In her luggage were several seemingly innocuous items: 55 coins and a ring. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The woman told officials the items belonged to her late husband, an archeologist and diver who lived on the Balearic Islands. She intended to take the objects to Germany to have them evaluated and sold, a spokeswoman for Spain's Civil Guard said. The chance encounter led to the discovery of more than 1,000 ancient and priceless items including coins, jewels, lamps and swords, some of which date back to the Talayotic culture – from 1600 to 123 B.C. – the Civil Guard said. The couple's daughter, who had accompanied the archeologist on his trips to recover objects, is facing charges of plundering underwater wrecks and archeological sites, authorities said. The items are being catalogued to be put on display at the Museum of Mallorca. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The case is one of nearly 260 reported as part of Operation Pandora IX – a major annual exercise supported by Interpol, Europol and the World Customs Organization. This year's operation was coordinated by Spain's Civil Guard and involved authorities from 23 countries, including the United States, in a bid to disrupt the trafficking of cultural items and ancient artifacts across borders. The latest operation led to 80 arrests and the seizure of more than 37,700 items such as paintings, Roman coins and ceramics, according to Interpol. The figures, which cover findings from 2024, are a sharp increase from the previous three years, in which authorities seized between 6,400 and 11,000 items per year. In 2021, authorities seized over 56,400 artifacts, including a single haul of 27,300 items by French customs authorities. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Interpol spokesman Samuel Heath said the findings reflect a new and 'highly lucrative' business for organized crime networks, which have seen a 'massive watershed moment' since the coronavirus pandemic, when they became larger and more professional and expanded distribution networks. 'It was like they almost took an MBA during covid and worked out different ways of operating,' he said in a phone interview Wednesday, describing criminals innovating and evolving 'at a rate that we haven't seen before,' possibly spurred by restrictions on real-world travel and more people living their lives online. Heath said this led to more cross-border coordination, including among groups 'who you would think wouldn't get on working together,' as well as the subcontracting of services like money laundering. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. As part of the operation, Spanish authorities disrupted a criminal gang looting archeological sites in Cáceres province, near the border with Portugal, Interpol said. Police seized more than 2,000 items – mainly Roman coins minted in the Celtiberian city of Tamusia – that the group had found using metal detectors and was selling illegally on social media. Six people were arrested and three others placed under investigation, according to the agency. In Italy, the country's dedicated police unit for protecting cultural heritage seized a painting fraudulently attributed to renowned artist Jannis Kounellis. It would have been valued around $113,000 had it been authentic, Interpol said. A separate investigation turned up more than 300 items, including ancient coins, metals and weapons dating to Roman times, offered for sale online and discovered in a private apartment. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. In Greece, the country's department of cultural heritage and antiquities used an undercover officer to act on a tip and recover five byzantine icons being sold for nearly $80,000, leading to the arrest of three people. Ukrainian authorities also seized nearly 90 items, including coins, books and spoons, that were being illegally taken out of the war-torn country, en route to Poland, Moldova and Romania, Interpol said. Authorities also confiscated 69 metal detectors and 23 tools used for illegal excavations. Heath said 'cultural crime' is often seen as low-risk because items can be hard to identify. Yet far from being victimless, such activity disrupts the work of archeologists and cultural historians and can affect communities through other types of criminal behaviour such as violence, corruption and fraud, he said. 'So it isn't just, 'OK, we've lost a coin, and we've lost a bit of pottery,'' he said, but an issue of 'greater historical damage.' Basketball Canada Sunshine Girls Columnists World
Telegraph
27-04-2025
- Telegraph
The 17 best things to do in Majorca
For a relatively small island, Majorca offers a seemingly infinite variety of landscape and rich and diverse cultural experiences. With its mild weather, an abundance of sports can be enjoyed all year round, from hiking and cycling in the imposing Sierra de Tramuntana, a Unesco World Heritage Site, to horse-riding, golf and tennis. There is something to suit all tastes and interests, whether that be a historic castle, a tranquil monastery, an ancient Talayotic site, a fascinating museum or a sumptuous estate with a Moorish legacy. Wildlife sanctuaries, nature reserves and the craggy coastline are ripe for exploring, as well as authentic inland villages in Majorca's agricultural heartland. For further Majorca inspiration, see our guides to the island's best hotels, restaurants, beaches and nightlife. Sóller Enjoy a hike and hearty lunch in the Tramuntana mountains The Sierra de Tramuntana, a Unesco Heritage Site, stretches 62 miles (100 km) from Andratx to Pollença and offers the perfect environment for hiking at all levels. An enjoyable seven-mile (12 km) circular route is from the Cuber Reservoir to charming Refugi Tossals Verds, a hostel which serves a delicious three-course lunch and dinner. Book a few days in advance. Insider's tip: Allow two hours for the hike and choose between two routes, an easy meandering path or an adventurous track that includes fixed chains along a short stretch of mountain. Do bring water, map and also suntan lotion and energy snacks. Marvel at the mountain vistas aboard a vintage train With its polished wood carriages and familiar toot, the historic El Tren de Sóller offers a one-hour scenic journey through the Tramuntana mountains. Constructed in 1912, its purpose was to transport oranges and olives swiftly to Palma rather than via the arduous and hilly tracks. Crossing bridges, a lofty five-arched viaduct and rumbling through 13 dark, musty tunnels, makes for a thrilling ride. Insider's tip: Why not combine the train journey with a ride on the retro tram from Sóller station to the local port, and a boat trip to Sa Calobra beach? A round trip with costs €79 (£67). Deià Visit the former home of a prolific British writer Ca n'Alluny, meaning 'The Far House', lies just outside Deià village and includes a blissfully tranquil garden. This was once home to prolific English poet, Robert Graves, until his death in 1985. Now Ca n'Alluny has become a museum yet retains the original features of the house including the poet's knick knacks, books and letters. It is a must visit for culture vultures. Insider's tip: Make a brief pilgrimage to the tiny cemetery of Deià, close to the village church, to see the burial stone of Robert Graves engraved with the dates of his birth and death, along with the simple words: Robert Graves, Poeta. Valldemossa Experience a monastery through the eyes of Chopin In 1839, Frederic Chopin and his lover, George Sand, spent a winter of discontent at a Carthusian monastery in the mountain town of Valldemossa, now the Celda de Chopin, where the consumptive composer managed to write most of his acclaimed Preludes on the Pleyel piano. One can see the instrument, alongside curiosities such as historic musical scores, pictures, correspondence and period furniture. Insider's tip: At the monastery, buy a copy of A Winter in Majorca, George Sand's acerbic and amusing account of their disastrous stay and dip into it while enjoying the town's famed hot chocolate and coca de patata, meaning potato buns, in a local café. Bunyola Stroll around a private estate with a 1000-year legacy With a Hispanic-Moorish past, Jardins d'Alfàbia is a mesmerisingly beautiful estate with a property that, in part, dates back to the 13th century. In Moorish times, it was owned by Ben-Abet, whose expertise in landscaping and irrigation is still apparent today in the extensive gardens. Highlights include the spectacular pergola with 72 columns and 24 stone hydras with water jets. Insider's tip: The estate's shady and peaceful al fresco café is definitely worth a visit, particularly for the delicious homemade lemonade and freshly-squeezed orange juice. Before you leave, check out the main property's magnificent coffered ceiling that dates back to 1170. Alcudia Discover art, sculptures and roses at a historic hacienda by the sea One of the jewels of the north is the Yannick and Ben Jakober Foundation's Sa Bassa Blanca Museum. Surrounded by woodland, this romantic landmark, a Hispanic-Moorish hacienda by the sea, was built by the Egyptian architect, Hassam Fathy. Today the property houses an eclectic mix of modern art installations, an observatory, and 150 portraits of European aristocratic children from the 16th-19th centuries housed in a former underground reservoir. Insider's tip: Don't miss the fossilised skeleton of a Siberian woolly rhinoceros in an underground gallery, which also exhibits works by such artists as Miguel Barceló. And do be sure to visit both the fabulous rose garden and the zoological park of animals sculpted by Ben Jakober and Yannick Vu. Consell Celebrate with a tipple at the oldest winery in Majorca A visit to Bodegas Ribas, the oldest family winery in Majorca, established in 1711, is a must for lovers of the grape. Situated in the sleepy village of Consell in Majorca's agricultural heartland, Ribas offers fun and memorable tours. With 100 acres of vineyards, this family-owned business, with more than 300 years of history, has the greatest diversity of grape varieties on the island. Insider's tip: Choose from one of several excellent guided tours that include the winery, historic house and also the grounds and vineyards. Tours offer tastings of wines and olive oil accompanied by platters of appetisers of Iberian ham and cheese. Pre-booking essential. Ses Salines Visit the ancient salt pans of Es Trenc For a fascinating and original day out, pop by the Es Trenc salt pans close to the small town of Ses Salines which have been in use since prehistoric times. In an area of outstanding natural biodiversity with a large number of bird species, a hard hat, one-hour tour of the various salt pans is offered. There's a lovely shop and café too. Insider's tip: Do make time to see the 9th-century Talayotic Bronze Age settlement of Els Antigors nearby and also look out for the pink flamingos that cluster around the tall grasses in the marshes here, especially between July and September. Discover a botanical garden with a vast lake Don't be put off by the giant plastic cactus man at the entrance to Botanicactus. This is no children's attraction but rather a breathtakingly beautiful botanical garden divided into specific horticultural zones. With 15,000 specimens and 1,600 species of fauna, you can wander around this vast peaceful park and admire the mature and towering trees and cacti, Mediterranean plants, and wide artificial lake of 10,000m2. Thankfully a map is provided as at times it feels as if you've stepped into a beguiling yet mysterious landscape, more fitting to that of the Lost World by author, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Insider's tip: Bring good walking shoes and in warm weather, sun cream and a hat. Remember to visit the exotic hen breeds and other birds in their spacious enclosures. Alaró Explore a ruined castle with a Moorish legacy Clinging to a craggy hilltop above the village of Alaró are the 15th-century remains of Castell d'Alaró, a castle that dates back to Moorish times. Today there is a pretty chapel at the site and impressive vistas to the Tramuntana mountains and distant sea. It's a two-hour schlep from the village but worth every step, given the memorable views. Insider's tip: From the castle, head lower down the hill to Es Verger (00 34 971 18 21 26) for lunch. This rustic restaurant serves superb lamb and pork roasted in a wood-fired oven. With an open hearth, and flacons of gusty wine, good cheer is guaranteed. Campos Get up close with ostriches in the countryside Artestruz, in the rural heartland of Majorca, is home to a friendly and curious bunch of ostriches that appear to enjoy meeting visitors. Reared and lovingly cared for by the same family for many years, the birds are treated with respect and roam a large piece of terrain. You can feed the birds from bowls of seeds while enjoying an informative and entertaining tour by a family member. Later, visitors can visit the shop which sells carved ostrich eggs and handcrafts and enjoy a drink on the terrace or try a jumbo family-sized omelette in the kitchen. Insider's tip: Best to avoid touching the ostriches, as their behaviour can be unpredictable, and wear casual clothes and comfy shoes. Porto Cristo Sail on an underground lake at the Caves of Drach Discover the thrilling subterranean world of the caves of Drach in Porto Cristo. Situated on the east coast, this vast network of caves is also home to Lake Martel, one of Europe's largest underground lakes. Explore the underlit caves and gaze in wonder at the ancient giant stalagmites and stalactites. A relaxing boat ride on the lake and mini concert with a live orchestra is also included in the guided tour. There's a beachside restaurant, gift shop and picnic area too. Insider's tip: Bring sensible footwear and a jumper as it can be cold underground. Calvia Visit brown bears and the longest zip line at Reserva Galatzó For an action-packed day in the hills, head for La Reserva, situated at the base of Puig de Galatzó, one of the island's most notable mountains. This vast nature reserve includes waterfalls, grottos and a natural rock pool for refreshing dips. Rescued animals such as brown bears, donkeys, goats, emus, and peacocks can be observed in their enclosures. Activities include rock climbing, riding the longest zipline in Majorca and beekeeping guided visits. There's a bar and BBQ grill and picnic area set in peaceful woodland. Insider's tip: Bring sensible footwear, swimwear, sun cream and water Colònia de Sant Jordi Sail to the protected marine reserve of Cabrera Take an hour's sail from the port of Colònia de Sant Jordi to the national park of Cabrera off the southeast coast of Majorca. This archipelago, consisting of Cabrera Grande and a series of islets, is now the largest protected marine environment in the western Mediterranean. Stroll to the ruined castle, historic museum and archaeological site and relax on the pristine beach. Insider's tip: Make time to pop by the visitors' centre in the port of Colonia de Sant Jordi, housed in a quirky circular stone building. It offers useful information about Cabrera island and has a substantial aquarium with 5,000 specimens of fish. Pòrtol Meet traditional ceramicists on the 'Ruta de Fang' mud route This fascinating walking tour of Mallorca's traditional potteries can be enjoyed on foot or by car. La Ruta de Fang, as it is known, encompasses a small historical museum and the villages of Pòrtol and Sa Cabaneta, home to pottery and clay. You can visit the mud museum and tour the workshops on the route where you can meet potters and buy ceramics including the island's iconic siurell clay whistles. Alcudia Observe an abundance of birds at S'Albufera Wetlands S'Albufera Natural Park in the north of the island is home to the largest wetlands in the Balearic Islands with a surface area of 5,000 acres. The park attracts more than 300 species of bird and shelters 10,000 more during the winter months. With marshes, coastal dunes, and a canal with river eels, it is a sanctuary for endemic and migratory birds and other wildlife. There are well-marked footpaths, and hides are provided throughout the park for observing the antics of birds such as herons, shags, cormorants, ducks and egrets. The greater flamingo is a frequent visitor from July through to September. Andratx Experience a seafaring expedition with a local fisherman Visitors to Majorca can now enjoy a spot of fishing in a traditional vessel with authentic local fishermen. Many island departure points are provided with various sailing trips offered along Majorca's coastline. In Andratx, fishermen brothers, Bruno and Gori Bort, take paying guests out to sea to observe their method of fishing, also offering a warm rice dish as part of the experience. Meanwhile, fishermen at other ports offer visitors the chance to try their hand at fishing, or to go for snorkelling sails with the chance to see dolphins on the way. Children are also welcome at a discounted rate. Insider's tip: It's essential to bring comfy shoes, sun cream and bottled water during the summer months. How we choose Every attraction and activity in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles, from world-class museums to family-friendly theme parks – to best suit every type of traveller. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up to date recommendations. Since settling in Sóller 22 years ago, Anna has written seven travel titles and three crime novels based in Majorca, offering a brilliant excuse to explore the island. You'll most likely find her climbing a Tramuntana peak or running on the beach.
Telegraph
22-04-2025
- Telegraph
The perfect weekend in Menorca – charming towns, pristine beaches and nature reserves
The second largest of the Balearic islands, and a Unesco Biosphere Reserve, Menorca certainly packs a punch. With a tumultuous history that witnessed countless assaults from the Romans, Vandals, Muslims, French and British, it's hardly surprising that today the island's rich heritage is a result of an impressive melding of cultures. From the elegance of the historic capital, Mahón, with its British influences, and vast natural harbour, to the colourful Gothic and Baroque architecture, churches and palaces of Ciutadella, Menorca has it all. In the two principal towns there are vibrant shops, cafés and restaurants, while scattered across the island you'll find magnificent megalithic monuments, bearing testimony to the island's ancient Talayotic history. Wedged between Ciutadella in the west and Mahón in the east, pretty market towns are surrounded by lush countryside, while the coastline is abundant with hidden coves and pristine beaches with clean waters and the whitest of sand. For further inspiration, see our guides to the city's best hotels, restaurants, things to do, nightlife and beaches. In this guide How to spend your weekend Day one: morning Get ready for an action-packed day by car. Starting in the capital, Mahón, enjoy an early wake-up breakfast at the American Bar before delving into the island's absorbing Talayotic history at the majestic Museum of Menorca. Afterwards, head to the atmospheric harbour for the exhilarating fast ferry ride across the picturesque bay to the tiny island of Isla del Rey. Step back in time at the fascinating 18th-century former military hospital with its medicinal garden and apothecary, and visit the elegant Hauser & Wirth Gallery. Here you can inspect the new and temporary art collections and visit its café in a forested garden. Back in Mahón, take the 15-minute drive along the Me-3 to the imposing Fortress of Isabel II at La Mola. Admire its impressive military architecture and explore the labyrinth-like underground bunkers before revelling in the beguiling views out to sea. Back in Mahón, treat yourself to a well-deserved seafood platter on the shady terrace of El Rais in the port.
