cnn.com
US Returns Looted Indian Artifacts
The US returned over 1,400 looted Indian artifacts worth \$10 million, part of a larger effort to combat antiquities trafficking.
English
United States
Human Rights ViolationsUs PoliticsIndo PacificLaw EnforcementInternational CooperationCultural HeritageRepatriationArt Theft
Manhattan District Attorney’s OfficeHomeland Security InvestigationsMetropolitan Museum Of ArtIndian Consulate In New YorkAntiquities Trafficking Unit
Nancy WienerSubhash KapoorWilliam Walker
- What was the role of Subhash Kapoor in the case?
- Convicted art trafficker Subhash Kapoor's multimillion-dollar looting network was a key focus of the investigation. Kapoor is currently in custody in India, awaiting extradition to the US.
- What is the broader context of this repatriation?
- The repatriation is part of an ongoing initiative to return stolen art from South and Southeast Asia. A recent agreement between the US and India aims to strengthen cooperation in preventing illegal trafficking of cultural property.
- Can you describe one of the significant artifacts returned?
- Among the returned artifacts was a sandstone sculpture of a celestial dancer, which had been smuggled from India to London, then illegally sold and donated to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
- Which organizations were primarily involved in the repatriation effort?
- The Manhattan District Attorney’s office, along with Homeland Security Investigations, led the multi-year investigation and repatriation effort. Their Antiquities Trafficking Unit has a strong track record of recovering and returning stolen artifacts.
- How many artifacts were returned to India and what was their estimated value?
- The United States returned over 1,400 looted Indian artifacts worth \$10 million. These items, recovered from several investigations into looting networks, were formally returned at a ceremony at the Indian consulate in New York.