New York returns looted antiquities of $19 million to Italy

Authorities in New York handed over 58 stolen artefacts to Italy on Tuesday in a ceremony that cost an estimated $19 million.

“The Marble Head of Athena,” which is estimated to be worth $3 million, was among the pieces, many of which had been on display at the city’s Metropolitan Museum of Art for years.

Colonel Matthew Bogdanos, head of the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office’s antiquities trafficking branch, stated, “We are fortunate to return it today,” and pledged “many more seizures and many more repatriations” over the course of the remainder of the year.

The returned items also included “Bronze Bust of a Man,” a drinking cup named “White-Ground Kylix,” vases, platters, and other kitchenware. Some were from Michael Steinhardt, a millionaire hedge fund managercollection.

According to the Manhattan District Attorney’s office, the antiques were sold by convicted looters including Giacomo Medici and Giovanni Franco Becchina who hired locals to raid unsecured locations in Italy.

General Roberto Riccardi of the Italian police declared during the event that the objects are “part of our past, our forefathers.” “They too are a part of the neighbourhood. They will return to their home neighbourhood and the next generations.”

4,500 objects totaling more than $250 million had been confiscated by Bogdanos’ antiquities squad since the year 2010 began, he claimed.

Bogdanos credits the exceptional collaboration for the achievement.

The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office established the Antiquities Trafficking Unit, the only one of its kind in the world where prosecutors, detectives, and analysts are all on the same team, and as a result, it is taking place now.