“The people of Nepal have fought for the return of these prized antiquities for decades, and I am thrilled that our long-term investigation has resulted in the return of these objects. These trafficking networks are extensive and complex, but we will continue our work to dismantle them and undo the harm they have created,” said District Attorney Bragg.
“The return of these pieces is the product of a substantial and ongoing investigation into several traffickers,” said District Attorney Bragg. “I am pleased we have now seized more than 120 antiquities throughout the investigation, and that is continuing to this day. I am grateful to our antiquities trafficking team and partners in Greece for their outstanding collaboration and partnership.”
“Our close collaboration with the Italian authorities continues to yield significant results, and I am thrilled that these 107 antiquities are being sent home,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Italy has unfortunately suffered significant and extensive looting over the past 60 years, and we will continue to do everything possible track down and return pieces that pass through Manhattan.”
“I am pleased the Cleveland Museum of Art agrees that this statue belongs to the people of Türkiye. This investigation included extensive witness interviews and forensic testing that proved conclusively this antiquity was looted from Bubon. I appreciate the museum’s cooperation throughout this matter, which is illustrative of how we can work together to ensure that looted antiquities are in the possession of its rightful owners. Our extensive investigation into the widespread and historic looting at Bubon has now led to 15 antiquities recovered for the people of Türkiye, and I thank our team of prosecutors, analysts, and investigators for their hard work,” said District Attorney Bragg.
“The pieces being returned today reflect the depth and beauty of this ancient cultural heritage. There are unfortunately many more pieces looted from Mexico that are still sitting in galleries, homes and auction houses, and we will continue to track them down with our law enforcement partners at HSI,” said District Attorney Bragg.
