The article discusses the return of thousands of looted artifacts to Italy after extensive investigations by authorities across multiple countries. Key points include: Over 25,000 artifacts, including ancient ceramics, sculptures, and ornaments, were repatriated from private collections and museums in the United States, Switzerland, and Germany. The artifacts were illegally excavated from archaeological sites in Italy and trafficked on the black market. Investigations spanned decades and involved cooperation between Italian authorities, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, and law enforcement agencies worldwide. The returned artifacts hold immense cultural and historical value, providing insights into ancient civilizations. Their recovery is a significant victory in the fight against the illicit trade of cultural heritage. The repatriation underscores the importance of international collaboration in preserving and protecting invaluable artifacts from looting and trafficking.
Source: https://www.cnn.com/2024/05/28/style/italy-stolen-artifacts-returned-intl-scli/index.html