Italian police have smashed a gang of ‘tomb raiders’ suspected to have stolen hundreds of ancient artefacts from sites across the country.

Nineteen people are expected to face charges for stealing, supplying and selling ancient coins and artefacts, some dating as far back as the 7th century BC.

Nunzio Fragliasso, chief prosecutor of the town of Torre Annunziata, whose team works closely with the nearby Pompeii archaeological park, said the traffickers had run “a supply chain which was typical in this sector” and resulted in the stolen goods appearing on international markets.

“The search warrants were issued as part of a complex investigation aimed at combating illicit trafficking in archaeological goods,” said Mr Fragliasso.

Italy is renowned for its archaeological sites and priceless antiquities that date back as far as the ancient Greek and Etruscan eras.

Criminals have made a business out of plundering these treasures to sell to museums, galleries and private collectors.