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Police carried out an operation in the Kinik district of Izmir as part of ongoing efforts to prevent the smuggling of cultural property. Acting on intelligence, officers raided a specific address and recovered a collection believed to date back to the Roman, Hellenistic and Byzantine periods.
The seized items included 190 coins, 10 objects, and three iron crosses, along with a metal detector suspected to have been used in illegal searches. One suspect was taken into custody in connection with the case.
The seizure comes amid growing concern that online platforms are accelerating illegal treasure hunting across Türkiye. Platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook have seen a surge in content centered on treasure खोज, often portraying dramatic discoveries or supposed gold finds.
While some of these videos show real activity, many are staged or exaggerated to attract attention. Content creators frequently present metal detector searches or symbolic “treasure signs,” encouraging viewers to believe that valuable artifacts can be easily uncovered.
Even when fabricated, such videos are said to be driving increased interest in unauthorized excavations, drawing more individuals into illegal activity.
Alongside the rise in online content, scams linked to treasure hunting have also expanded. Some creators promote expensive equipment, claiming it can guarantee discoveries, while others offer costly land-scanning services without delivering results.
Authorities note that these schemes mislead people seeking quick financial gain, while also contributing to the destruction of archaeological sites. In some cases, fake artifacts are buried in advance and later “discovered” on camera to create convincing but false narratives.
Zeynep Boz, head of the Anti-Smuggling Department under the General Directorate of Cultural Heritage and Museums, previously warned that such practices both defraud individuals and encourage criminal behavior. She said that people imitating these videos are committing serious offenses and that authorities monitor such content closely.
Experts emphasize that the consequences go beyond financial scams. Unauthorized digging often involves crude methods, including heavy tools or even explosives, which can permanently damage archaeological layers.
In response, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and law enforcement agencies have increased monitoring and public awareness campaigns. Outreach efforts now extend to rural areas, where officials inform communities about the legal and cultural consequences of illegal digging.
Boz underlined that these videos risk opening pathways to organized antiquities trafficking networks and undermine efforts to protect national heritage. She stressed the need for stronger preventive measures and broader public understanding.
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