European Police Seize Thousands of Looted Cultural Goods

Woman busted for total of 64 objects of historical value, 1,576 ancient coins in Spain

In 2024 alone, authorities across Europe have seized 37,727 items, including archaeological pieces, artworks, coins and musical instruments.

Meet the Italian art cops who seize priceless works from tomb raiders

The Italian Carabinieri Art Squad has recovered millions of stolen and fake artworks and artefacts since 1969, and its 300 specialist investigators are now using AI to combat the growing black market in the art world.

European police seize thousands of looted cultural goods

Law enforcement and customs officials from 23 countries took part in an operation called Pandora IX. Authorities recovered thousands of artefacts, including artworks, coins, paintings and archaeological finds.

Police have seized three valuable bronze sculptures that were stolen from the New Cemetery in Rostock between February and April. The works of art, including an angel and two female figures, were found in Berlin in mid-May, according to the Rostock State Criminal Police Office. The damage is estimated at approximately €37,500. During searches in Berlin, Demmin, Japzow, and Krefeld, investigators seized a total of around 40 bronze sculptures, as …

In an operation coordinated by Spain, which involved law enforcement and customs authorities from 23 countries, 80 people were arrested

The Pandora IX operation continued throughout 2024 and reached law enforcement and customs authorities from 23 countries. The international operation was directed against trafficking in art and cultural heritage. Spain (Sivil Guard) carried out coordination with the support of Europol, Interpol and the World Customs Organization (WCO) through the Regional Intelligence Bureau for Eastern and Central Europe. This is reported by Europol. [see_also …