EU report on EU “Illicit trade in cultural goods in Europe”

The new EU Commission’s funded report “Illicit trade in cultural goods in Europe” is out now – and it’s almost 300 pages strong! The report was written by Dr. Neil Brodie Dr. Donna Yates from Trafficking Culture. You can have a look at it following this link or download it here.

UK/Bonhams: on auction an object related to Becchina and Symes …again. Now withdrawn!

The kantharos was redrawn by Bonhams yesterday (July 2, 2019) – right after we and ARCA published the connection to the Medici- and Symes-Archives. Lynda Albertson from ARCA, together with Dr. C. Tsirogiannis, moreover discovered in one of the auctions from Christie’s, New York (June 4, 2008), an Apulian red-figure Lekanis, seemingly from the same…

UK/Bonhams: on auction an object related to Becchina and Symes …again

In the forthcoming Antiquity Auction from Bonhams, in London, July 3, 2019, Lot 95 is of particular interest: an Apulian red-figure janiform kantharos. It is attributed to the Iliupersis Group, dated circa 375-350 BC. Bonhams notes that it derives from ‘an important American private collection’. The provenance section of the kantharos’ entry states: Anonymous sale;…

Freeports used as Jihadi warehouses?

Published on May 16, 2019 in Foreignpolicyi.org by Peter Jackson According to a recent investigation by top French outlet Paris Match, Singapore and Geneva freeports are used by ISIS to store looted antiquities. Behind their metal doors, the treasures illegally moved out from Iraqi and Syrian museums are hidden in bespoke wooden crates and waiting…

EU-elections May 2019: EAA benchmarks for Archaeology and Heritage Protection

As recently noted, the EAA published Benchmarks for Archaeology and Heritage Protection 2019 – 2024 for the upcoming elections of the European Parliament in May 2019. Special attention is paid to the prevention of illicit trade in antiques. During election campaigns, benchmarks are a highly effective instrument to make politicians and political parties aware of…

Facebook shut down 49 groups being used by looters to sell stolen ancient artifacts

From BBC News, written by Steve Swann, investigating reporter, May 2, 2019 Steve Swann Investigations reporter Steve Swann Investigations reporter Facebook is being used by networks of traffickers to buy and sell looted antiquities, the BBC has learned. Private groups also discuss how to illegally excavate ancient tombs, according to research by academics. Facebook says…

EAA-session on Illegal obtaining and trade of archaeological artefacts

At the forthcoming EAA annual conference in Bern, September 4-7, 2019, we would like to draw your attention to the following Session of the Committee in the illicit trade of cultural material Illegal obtaining and trade of archaeological artefacts: status quo and counteraction In the framework of the session we will discuss illicit circulation of…