ISTANBUL, March 10 (Xinhua) -- A 1,200-year-old Torah dating back to the Roman period, adorned with gold script on leather, has been seized in Türkiye's Istanbul, along with other valuable artifacts, local authorities announced on Monday.

According to the Istanbul Provincial Gendarmerie Command, the operation was carried out at three locations in the city on Feb. 20 after receiving intelligence that two trafficking networks were looking for a buyer to sell the historical artifacts abroad.

The Torah, which measures 2 meters in length and 15 centimeters in width, was reportedly about to be sold for 1.5 million U.S. dollars.

In addition to the Torah, the operation found 550 coins from the Ancient Greek Pontus Amisos period, 51 coins from the Byzantine era, 15 historical objects, two rings, a protective case for the Torah, and two mallets.

During the operation, six suspects were arrested. They were brought to court but were later released under judicial control, as the investigation into the trafficking operation continues. Enditem

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