Skopje, North Macedonia (AP) —Eight men were arrested in North Macedonia for participating in multiple illegal excavations nationwide to sell antiques abroad, police said Thursday.

The Ministry of Home Affairs said police had attacked homes and other facilities associated with the suspect in 10 locations in the southern town of Vitra and the northwestern town of Tetovo.

They confiscated a number of relics, including ancient figurines, gems, firearms, metal detectors, and computer hard drives, but did not reveal any further details.

Public prosecutor’s office officials said dozens of illegal cases were to be supplied to buyers in Albania, Croatia, Greece, Serbia, Turkey and the United States by two main suspects, ages 60 and 71, since May 2020. He said he had made a great excavation.

They face crimes such as the formation of criminal organizations and violations of the law to protect antiques, and can be sentenced to up to 30 years in prison. The other six suspects are facing lower charges.

Illegal excavation of ancient heritage in North Macedonia has been going on for decades.