Greek policeman, 8 others charged with smuggling antiquities

©Reuters/Yorgos Karahalis

A Greek police officer was among nine people arrested for the suspected smuggling of ancient artefacts, including a statue valued at about one million euros, AFP reports according to police.

The 49-year-old officer was employed by the department in charge of the protection of the country's antiquities.

Among the other suspects, aged between 32 and 70, was a 52-year-old Athens antique dealer.

Police recovered a large number of allegedly stolen artefacts when they searched more than 10 sites on Wednesday.

A police statement said the more than 2,000-year-old statue, which measures 65 centimetres (two feet) was the work of renowned fourth-century BC sculptor Praxiteles.

Six other suspects in the smuggling ring are still on the run.