Briton arrested on suspicion of stealing ancient artefacts

A BRITISH man has been arrested in Spain on suspicion of stealing ancient Roman artefacts from Italy.

The 55-year-old, identified only by his initials, WTV, was allegedly found in possession of a large quantity of ancient Roman, early Christian and Arab artefacts. He was arrested earlier this month in a hotel in Los Palacios y Villafranca, south of Seville, after police conducted a routine security check.

His name came up on a database showing that an Italian court had issued a warrant for his arrest.

He was in possession of “very valuable collector’s items” for which he was unable to provide proof of ownership, a Spanish police spokesman said.

They included 90 packets of Roman and Arab coins, six clay lamps, and a ceramic image of the Virgin Mary and the baby Jesus.

He appeared before a judge at a closed hearing in Madrid. It was not clear if he had agreed to be extradited or decided to fight the attempt to return him to Italy to face prosecution.