Two collectors were arrested in Bulgaria, they had their collection confiscated by the police state (including coins struck in Romania in 1879 and 1882,and coins of Empress Maria Theresa). Archeologist Ivan Dikov rejoiced last month that "History Museum in Bulgaria’s Sliven Receives Ancient Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Austrian Coins Seized from Treasure Hunters" (April 23, 2015). Contrast this with the way Great Britain treats people who pursue their interest in the past using metal detectors.
In any case these repressive tactics are simply not working. Dikov admits that:
Treasure hunting and illegal trafficking of antiques have been rampant in Bulgaria after the collapse of the communism regime in 1989 (and allegedly before that). Estimates vary but some consider this the second most profitable activity for the Bulgarian mafia after drug trafficking. One recent estimate suggests its annual turnover amounts to BGN 500 million (app. EUR 260 million), and estimates of the number of those involved range from about 5000 to 200 000 – 300 000, the vast majority of whom are impoverished low-level diggers.
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