Treasures stolen and sold in Switzerland returned
Published: Monday, Nov 18th 2024, 13:10
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The Italian authorities were able to seize more than 2,500 valuable antique coins, vases and small sculptures that had been illegally excavated and then sold in Switzerland, Eurojust announced on Monday. The cantonal police and the Zurich public prosecutor's office were involved in the operations.
The treasures from the ancient city of Cales date from between the 3rd century B.C. and the 8th century A.D. They were brought to the National Archaeological Museum of Santa Maria Capua Vetere near Naples on Nov. 15, according to the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation.
Eurojust assisted the Italian authorities with investigations in Switzerland and collected data on bank accounts and transfers in Belgium and the Netherlands as well as information on online auction houses.
Dozens of suspects arrested
A total of 43 suspects were charged, four of whom were initially taken into custody. They are suspected of art fraud, including illegal excavations, sales via auction houses and the provision of forged certificates of authenticity. The value of the returned objects is estimated at around two million euros.
The investigations were launched in Italy in 2022. They revealed that archaeological treasures from the former Roman colony of Cales were being offered for sale via Swiss auction houses. The investigations also revealed that ancient coins and pottery had been excavated without authorization.
A total of around 2000 coins without official proof of origin were found, as well as over 500 valuable vases, sculptures and other antique pottery. Dozens of metal detectors and various technical devices for illegal excavations were also found.
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