“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.
“We will continue to investigate the many trafficking networks that have targeted Indian cultural heritage” said District Attorney Bragg. “I thank our team of prosecutors and analysts, along with our partners at HSI, for their continued commitment to returning stolen and looted artifacts.”
“Ancient sites in Türkiye have seen significant looting and we are continuing to investigate and track down pieces stolen from Bubon. I thank HSI for their continued partnership and to our team of prosecutors and analysts for their work to ensure these 14 antiquities can return to where they rightfully belong,” said District Attorney Bragg.
