More than 22,000 ancient artifacts, some dating back 5,000 years, from all over the world have been seized by officials in Florida, authorities said.
Items recovered include coins, terracotta pots and vases, statues, weapons and jewelry, according to a press release from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The items also range from Egyptian statues to Byzantine glass vessels to ancient Greek and Roman coins.Preliminary evaluations indicate some objects date back 1,000 to 5,000 years originating from Europe, Africa and Eastern Mediterranean. Investigators said the identification process will take time, but officials will work with experts, some from the University of South Florida and the University of Pennsylvania, to analysis and authenticate
the items.
The recovery was a joint effort by ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations Tampa, in coordination with HSI's Cultural Property, Art and Antiquities division and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
"Preserving cultural heritage is not only a matter of law enforcement, but also a commitment to history and humanity,” said HSI Tampa acting Special Agent in Charge Micah McCombs. “The trafficking of cultural property not only robs civilizations of their heritage, but also channels money into transnational criminal organizations, results in international financial crimes and, in some cases, even funds terrorist activities.”
How were ancient artifacts found by Florida officials?
Officials targeted criminal networks involved in the theft, smuggling and sale of artifacts, including those looted from archaeological sites or stolen from museums. Specifics on arrests or pending criminal charges were not announced.
The hope is this investigation will help stop the black-market trade of ancient antiques and will preserve the history and culture of these items, according to the press release. Officials intend on returning stolen pieces to their country of origin.
“The international demand for cultural property makes the theft a highly profitable crime, with relatively low risk compared to offenses such as narcotics smuggling,” the press release stated. “Many criminals steal and smuggle cultural property, art and antiquities to fund criminal enterprises and launder profits from other crimes.”
Michelle Spitzer is a journalist for The USA TODAY NETWORK-FLORIDA. As the network’s Rapid Response reporter, she covers Florida’s breaking news. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://floridatoday.com/newsletters
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Rare ancient world coins, statues, weapons, vases seized in Florida
