Türkiye Seizes Picasso Painting and Ancient Coins

In Bayburt, Turkish gendarmerie seized numerous historical artifacts, including a painting believed to be by Pablo Picasso, valued at 6 million euros. The Bayburt Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office led an investigation into illegal artifact trafficking, revealing operations in Erzincan, Erzurum, and other regions. Following intelligence work, 21 suspects in 14 provinces were targeted, resulting in the recovery of 3,072 Ottoman coins, 178 Eastern Roman and Byzantine coins, and various ancient objects. Nineteen suspects were released after questioning, while two remain on probation.