New revelations are coming to light regarding the case of antiquities trafficking at the Monastery of Mega Spilaio in Kalavryta, with police making four more arrests following that of the monastery’s abbot. Among those arrested is a man who traded ancient coins, a couple, and the main intermediary of the case, who attempted to sell 17 Byzantine icons and two 18th-century Gospels to an undercover police officer posing as a buyer for 200,000 euros.
Specifically, according to ERT, the 69-year-old middleman appears to have been the mastermind of the gang, having a central role in connecting antiquities traffickers with buyers, while he himself appears to have been active in auctions. It is emphasized that the confiscated items were intended for sale to auction houses in Cyprus and Germany.
Antiquities trafficking case at Mega Spilaio Kalavryta
It should be noted that, according to the authorities’ investigation, a second intermediary is also involved in the case, who works as a pawnbroker by profession. He allegedly identified both collectors and suppliers of antiquities. The investigation had begun in July 2025, when authorities placed the six members of the ring under close surveillance. Indeed, according to ERT sources, suspicions about the abbot had existed for at least two years.
It is noted that the network members were particularly careful in their communications, while their meetings took place on isolated roads, in quiet cafes or restaurants, and at the Mega Spilaio Monastery itself. The abbot is alleged to have hidden an ancient statue of the goddess Artemis in a field, which was reportedly valued at 10 million euros.
What was confiscated
In total, from searches conducted in homes and other locations, among other items, the following were found and confiscated:
- 264 coins,
- 14 religious icons,
- 2 Holy Gospels and religious book from the 18th century, episcopal panagia crosses, professional metal detection equipment,
- 2 hunting weapons,
- 262 hunting cartridges, knife,
- 12,810 euros, gold sovereign,
- 2 precision scales,
- 2 vehicles,
- 7 mobile phones, tablet, flashlight and magnifying glass,
- 18 photographs depicting ancient objects and numerous documents – notes.
The lawyer of the Metropolis of Aigialeia and Kalavryta, Mr. Giorgos Beskos, stated to ERT News that the Metropolis will request the case file to be informed and will file a civil lawsuit to protect the monastery’s interests. According to an announcement by the Holy Metropolis of Aigialeia and Kalavryta, the Holy Monastery of Mega Spilaio is replacing the members of its Abbot Council, according to Article 4 of the monastery’s Internal Regulations. The ongoing investigation includes a team from the Ministry of Culture to assess the value of the religious artifacts.
Authorities continue their investigations into the antiquities trafficking case at the Mega Spilaio Monastery in Kalavryta.
