British tourist arrested in Turkey after attempting to fly home with gold coins found while snorkelling
Tony Robyns, 52, a father-of-five from West Sussex, detained at Bodrum airport after trying to smuggle treasure find back to UK without notifying authorities
Your support helps us to tell the story
As your White House correspondent, I ask the tough questions and seek the answers that matter.
Your support enables me to be in the room, pressing for transparency and accountability. Without your contributions, we wouldn't have the resources to challenge those in power.
Your donation makes it possible for us to keep doing this important work, keeping you informed every step of the way to the November election
Andrew Feinberg
White House Correspondent
A British tourist has been arrested in Turkey after he reportedly attempted to fly home with coins he found while snorkelling.
Toby Robyns was detained at Bodrum airport on Friday on suspicion of “finding Turkish artefacts without notifying authorities”, The Sun said.
The 52-year-old father-of-five, from Southwick, West Sussex, discovered the 13 coins while snorkelling during a two-week holiday in Turgutreis and tried to take them home as a souvenir, the newspaper said.
He is reportedly being held at Milas prison while he waits to hear whether he will be charged.
James Stoneham, a family friend, said: “This was harmless fun on a holiday.
“When he went to get his flight home they dragged him off and searched his hand luggage.”
A Foreign Office spokesman said: “We are assisting a British man following his arrest in Bodrum and remain in contact with his family and the Turkish authorities.”
PA
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments