Romanian sent to court for theft of Dacian artifacts worth EUR 2.5 mln from Sarmizegetusa Regia archeological site

A man from Orastie in Central Romania, who was part of a network that has been trafficking Dacian artifacts and jewelry worth some EUR 2.5 million, has been recently sent to court. Adrian Stoicoi is charged with unauthorized digging in archeological sites, theft of cultural goods and money laundry, among others. According to prosecutors, the man was part of the crime ring between 1998 and 2013, having stolen and illegal sold coins, bracelets and other artifacts from the Sarmizegetusa Regia archeological site. He authorities managed to recover ancient coins worth over EUR 11,000 and Dacian tools worth over EUR 13,000 during the investigation. Most of the artifacts were however not yet found, including a Dacian bracelet evaluated at EUR 450,000 and offered for sale to the Christie’s auction house in New york, as well as over 800 Lysimach gold coins worth some EUR 600,000, over 1,000 Koson coins of some EUR 600,000, and two gold bracelets worth another EUR 900,000. Out of the 1,000 Koson coins, 145 are at the British Museum in London. Authorities tried to cover some of the damage by confiscating the goods of Adrian Stoicoi: an apartment, and holiday villa and three cars, all worth some EUR 30,000. They also confiscated objects used in the artifact theft, such as a metal detector, masks and military maps of the Sarmizegetusa Regia site. Sarmizegetusa Regia, the former capital and the most important military, religious and political center of the ancient Dacians, was the capital of the Dacian state before the Roman invasion. The ruins of the fortress are located in Hunedoara county. The fortresses in the area are included among the UNESCO world heritage sites. Sarmizegetusa Regia hosts the Circular Calendar, one of the most important Dacian circular sanctuaries. editor@romania-insider.com