Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., today announced the return of one antiquity to the people of the people of Poland, and eight antiquities to the people of Italy. These objects were seized pursuant to multiple ongoing investigations into looting during World War II and trafficking networks targeting Italian cultural heritage.
“These 29 extraordinary pieces were recovered thanks to the hard work of our prosecutors and analysts,” said District Attorney Bragg. “The impact of these significant trafficking networks are still felt in New York, and we will continue to work alongside our partners around the globe to return stolen objects.”
“I am thrilled that these nine pieces are being returned in what is our first repatriation with Costa Rica,” said District Attorney Bragg. “I am grateful to all of the investigators and prosecutors who developed this complex and multi-faceted investigation.”
The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office announced the recent repatriation of antiquities to three countries, including 31 antiquities, some dating to the 6th century B.C.E., to the people of Italy; two 6th century C.E. Visigoth pendants to the people of Spain; and a 17th century C.E. Jesuit manuscript to the people of Hungary.
“I am grateful to the hard work of our prosecutors and investigators to track down these objects and return them to where they belong. It speaks to the extraordinary collaboration and partnership our Office has with countries all across the world who are seeking to reclaim their stolen cultural heritage,” said District Attorney Bragg.
