Two arrested in Inner Mongolia for illegal excavation of ancient site. Discovered July 5-9, arrests on July 29. No relics confirmed; probe continues.
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Police in northern China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region have arrested two suspects following the discovery of illegal excavation activity at an ancient cultural site believed to hold significant historical and archaeological value.
The case was investigated by the Criminal Investigation Division of the Hanggin Banner Public Security Bureau after authorities received a report from the local Culture and Tourism Bureau on July 13, 2026. Officials reported that an area in Baragong Town, Hanggin Banner, which was suspected of containing ancient tombs and cultural remains, appeared to have been illegally excavated.
Suspicious Excavation Discovered During Routine Inspection
Between July 5 and July 9, employees from the Culture and Tourism Bureau were carrying out routine inspections of cultural heritage locations when they discovered signs of human excavation in a grassland area under the administration of Baragong Town.
Equipment believed to have been used during the excavation was reportedly left at the scene, including a generator, buckets and Luoyang shovels—specialized tools commonly used to examine underground soil layers.
A professional cultural heritage protection company was subsequently asked to conduct a preliminary survey of the location. The survey determined that the area was likely part of an ancient cultural site containing historically important remains.
Authorities said the location had not previously been officially registered as a protected archaeological site. However, preliminary findings indicated that it had considerable value for historical research and cultural heritage preservation.
Police Launch Investigation
Following the report, the leadership of the Hanggin Banner Public Security Bureau reportedly held several meetings to coordinate the investigation.
Criminal investigation officers conducted interviews, gathered evidence and examined possible leads connected to the illegal excavation.
At approximately 4:00 p.m. on July 29, police successfully located and arrested the first suspect. During questioning, the individual allegedly admitted involvement in the illegal excavation of the ancient cultural site.
Investigators then expanded the inquiry and followed additional leads in an effort to identify anyone else involved.
With assistance from officers at the Baragong and Hohmod police stations, investigators arrested a second suspect believed to be connected to the case.
Investigation Remains Ongoing
Police have not yet announced whether any historical objects or cultural relics were removed from the site. The identities of the two suspects have also not been publicly released.
The case remains under investigation, and authorities are continuing to examine the excavation site, the equipment recovered there and the suspected involvement of the two individuals.
Police emphasized that ancient cultural sites and burial grounds are irreplaceable historical resources. Unauthorized excavation can permanently destroy important archaeological evidence, including soil formations, burial structures and the original positions of historical objects.
Such damage may make it impossible for archaeologists and historians to accurately understand the age, purpose and cultural significance of a site.
Authorities warned that illegally excavating ancient cultural sites or tombs may constitute a serious criminal offence under Chinese law.
Hanggin police said they would continue maintaining strong enforcement against crimes involving cultural relics and historical sites. Members of the public who discover suspicious excavation activity or other possible cultural heritage offences have been encouraged to report the matter immediately to the authorities.
Source: 平安杭锦 (Ping’an Hanggin)
Original source publication date: July 29, 2026
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