Mummy smugglers jailed for life [View All]

[Eugene]

Last Updated: Saturday, 13 August 2005, 17:41 GMT 18:41 UK

Mummy smugglers jailed for life

Three men have been jailed for life over a scam to smuggle artefacts
worth more than $50m out of Egypt.

Those found guilty included the former head of Egypt's Supreme Council
of Antiquities, Abdul Karim Abu Shanab.

He was accused of giving smugglers certificates showing genuine
artefacts were imitations, so they could be carried through customs.

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Officials estimated the smuggling gang exported some 57,000 pieces
worth about $55m (£30m), including human and animal mummies, coins,
statues and wooden sarcophagi.

The authorities intercepted some of the antiquities at Cairo airport,
but others were smuggled all over the world, including some that were
found in Australia for sale on the internet. They have been returned
to Egypt.

Full article: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4149204.stm