THOUSANDS OF PRICELESS ARTEFACTS SEIZED IN POLICE OPERATION ACROSS 28 COUNTRIES

Fri 11 March 2022:

Interpol announced on Wednesday that various priceless objects, including paintings, musical instruments, furniture, antique coins, and statuettes, were captured during a four-month police operation spanning 28 nations.

More than 9,400 items were recovered and 52 persons were arrested during the operation, which took place between June and September of last year. Illicit cultural products trafficking was a focus of the investigation.

Illicit cultural products trafficking was a focus of the investigation. Over 170 investigations are still continuing, so expect more seizures and arrests. The international criminal police operation said the detectives “continue their pursuit of those spoiling and destroying cultural heritage.”

OPERATION PANDORA VI results just released:
🚨 52 arrests
🌍 28 countries
🗿 9,400+ cultural artefacts seized

Strong cooperation between @guardiacivil, @Europol, @INTERPOL_HQ and @WCO_OMD, united to fight the illicit trade of cultural goods. Full story 👇https://t.co/UDymHBTDXb

— INTERPOL (@INTERPOL_HQ) March 9, 2022

Led by Spain, the Operation Pandora VI, involved actions on airports, at border crossing points, in auction houses, museums and private homes. For suspicious sales, online markets were also monitored.

Since its launch in 2016, Operation Pandora, which is coordinated by Interpol, Europol and the World Customs Organisation, has led to the recovery of 147,050 cultural artefacts and the arrest of 407 people.

⚠️ Operation Pandora VI leads to 52 arrests linked to trafficking of cultural goods ⚠️

9,408 cultural artefacts were seized during the operation led by 🇪🇸 @guardiacivil & coordinated internationally by Europol, @INTERPOL_HQ & @WCO_OMD.

More⤵️https://t.co/ilGmnxct6c #EMPACT pic.twitter.com/JM7Htbne4V

— Europol (@Europol) March 9, 2022

Around 4,231 archaeological objects, including about 3,000 coins, and buckles, rings, bells and pieces of pottery, looted from archaeological sites by an individual were seized by French customs officials.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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