Greece received 26artifacts seized in United States, as part of ICE-HSI cooperation with other relevant authorities.

The items involved were illegally removed from the country and were identified after investigations.

Specifically, the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), along with the CBP, FBI and State Department, were involved in their tracking and return. Investigations revealed falsified documents and trafficking routes through third countries.

“ICE HSI is extremely proud to have leveraged its investigative expertise and customs authority, in collaboration with our partners, leading to the repatriation of these 26 priceless antiquities that had been illegally looted from their homeland,” said ICE Deputy Director Charles Wall.
“These valuable artifacts were an important part of life in the ancient world. I am especially grateful to the investigative and prosecutorial team responsible for the recovery and return of these priceless treasures.”

The finds include 25 ancient coins from different periods, as well as a marble torso of Asclepius, dating to the 1st or 2nd century and weighing about 500 pounds.

The items returned include the following:

– The marble torso of Asclepius, approximately 101.6 cm tall. The statue was seized when the accompanying documents were found to be false, following an investigation by HSI and CBP.

– A gold coin of Lampsacus (370 BC), with Heracles on one side and Pegasus on the other. The find came from an illegal excavation and passed through the hands of traffickers before ending up at an auction house in the US.

– A Bronze coin of Macedonia (4th century BC), depicting Persephone and the Hydra. The investigation has shown that they are linked to the same antiquities theft ring.

– A silver twin of Rhodes (304 BC), with the Sun and the “Rodon of Rhodes“. It was confiscated due to violations of cultural property and smuggling legislation.

The return of these antiquities is part of a sustained effort to protect cultural heritage. Since 2007, the HSI has repatriated over 200 objects to Greece, based also on the bilateral agreement in force since 2011.

HSI’s CPAA program focuses on cases involving artworks and antiquities. It also promotes training and international cooperation to identify and return looted cultural property.

Since its inception, the programme has contributed to the repatriation of more than 25,000 objects in over 40 countries, strengthening efforts to protect the world’s cultural heritage.

See images of the objects HERE