ZHENGZHOU -- Police have caught 11 people who looted an ancient tomb in central China's Henan Province, authorities said Saturday.

The tomb in Houzhuang Village was raided on July 25. The local cultural heritage department believes it dates back to the Warring States period (475-221 B.C.) and belonged to a senior aristocrat.

Police snared the first suspect on August 26 and during his confession he named other members of the gang. The stolen treasures from the tomb were recovered in September.

An initial investigation found that the suspects have looted nine tombs since 2014.

Chinese tomb raiders can make good money, as wealthy people in China used to be buried with gold, silverware and jade in the hope of enjoying an affluent afterlife.