[CPProt.net] Spying allegations leveled against Iraqi smuggler

[MusSecNetworkCulPropProtNet]

Spying allegations leveled against Iraqi smuggler
By Observer Staff
Feb 5, 2005 - Vol.VIII Issue 05
SANA'A - A routine operation to arrest a smalltime Iraqi antique smuggler
took an unexpected turn this week when security forces discovered an array
of photographic and telescopic equipment when they raided his Hadda home,
leading officers to make allegations that the man was also involved in
espionage activities.

The man, an employee of an international freight company, was arrested at
his Sana'a home on February 3 for planning to smuggle more than 700 Yemeni
antiques out of the country. Only after searching his house did the police
officers come to the conclusion that they may have stumbled on something
larger.

The police initially acted after being tipped off about the presence of an
antiques smuggling operation, said Dr. Abdul-Rahman Jarallah, deputy
chairman of the General Organization for Antiquities & Museums, speaking to
the Saba News Agency.

Jarallah said the authority sent a team of experts to the house to inspect
the pieces and found a large collection of ancient coins, bronze statues,
Sabaean inscriptions, Islamic manuscripts and other precious items of
Yemen's national heritage.

The police also found two large telescopes and, hidden amongst pictures of
archaeological sites, photographs of the nearby home of Brig. Gen. Ghaleb
Al-Qamish, director of operations for the Political Security Office. Also
found were pictures of government buildings, the PSO headquarters, and a
picture of the Iraqi man next to a foreign ambassador, according to a
security source.

Although overshadowed by accusations of espionage, the recovery of the
antiques is a major coup for Yemen's beleaguered antiquities organization.
The smugglers' hoard contained more than 200 statues of humans and animals,
ancient and unique coins, and more than 100 pieces of pottery, silver, gems,
and antique weapons.

During interrogations, the suspect admitted that he had smuggled out a
similar quantity of artifacts through Aden airport last year. The police are
continuing their investigations. 


http://www.yobserver.com/