Italian police say they have dismantled an international ring trafficking in thousands of ancient artifacts – illegally excavated in Sicily.

Authorities allege that the digs were commissioned by a London art dealer, 64-year old William Veres -who’s been served with an international warrant.

Twenty Italians were arrested in Italy, one in Spain, and one in Germany.

Some 20,000 objects recovered included ancient coins, statues and pottery – as well as fake artifacts.

Police say many objects were smuggled into Germany – where they were falsely labeled as legitimate – and offered by auction houses in Munich.