US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Tampa announced the confiscation of more than 22 thousand ancient artifacts in Florida. According to preliminary estimates, the age of the seized items is from 1 thousand to 5 thousand years, they were found at archaeological sites in Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
In particular, Egyptian figurines, ancient Greek and Roman coins, Byzantine glass vessels, as well as various terracotta pots and vases, weapons, jewelry, and mosaic picture frames were seized.
The department did not specify from whom the valuables were seized. The statement noted that the seizure was one of the largest in the agency's history and is part of a large-scale investigation into antiquities smuggling.
“I could not even imagine that I would be holding in my hands an object that may have been created more than 4,000 years ago. It's like taking a tour of a museum with your own personal archaeologist as your guide, only you get to touch all the exhibits,” said HSI Tampa Special Agent Lianna Richardson, who is leading the investigation.
The agency has engaged leading experts, including archaeologists, to determine the age of the items, identify them and verify their authenticity. ICE also partners with the University of South Florida and the University of Pennsylvania. Their experts help with analysis, historical context and conservation techniques.
International demand for cultural property makes its theft a high-value, relatively low-risk crime compared to offenses such as drug smuggling, complemented by ICE. Many criminals steal and smuggle antiques, including works of art, to finance terrorism and launder the proceeds of other crimes, the statement said.
If the authenticity of confiscated antiques is proven, they may be returned back to their countries of origin.
“The preservation of cultural heritage is not only the task of law enforcement agencies, but also a duty to history and humanity. Trafficking in cultural property not only robs civilizations of their heritage, but also generates money for transnational criminal organizations,” said HSI Tampa Acting Special Agent in Charge Micah McCombs.
