NEW YORK — A Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York investigation, in coordination with the New York County District Attorney’s Office and the government of Pakistan, has resulted in the repatriation of 133 artifacts to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. The pieces were recovered pursuant to multiple ongoing investigations into trafficking networks targeting antiquities.
“It is an honor and a privilege to return these invaluable artifacts to the people of Pakistan, representing the very essence of their nation’s profound heritage. These 133 pieces of stolen history were being sold through black-market deals at the hands of antiquities traffickers. HSI stands at the forefront in investigating crimes related to the unlawful trafficking and dissemination of cultural treasures and ancient relics,” said HSI New York Special Agent in Charge Ivan J. Arvelo. “HSI New York remains resolute in our dedication to collaborate with foreign and domestic counterparts to safeguard against the plundering of irreplaceable antiquities.”
“These artifacts are now being returned to where they belong. This repatriation is more than the return of physical objects; it is the restoration of a part of Pakistan’s soul and identity,” said Consul General Aamer Ahmed Atozai.
Key pieces include:
HSI New York special agents within the Cultural Property, Art and Antiquities group work closely with foreign governments to conduct joint investigations to pursue and combat transnational organized crime related to the illicit trafficking of cultural artifacts by targeting high priority organizations and strengthening international law enforcement partnerships.
“I thank our team of outstanding investigators and prosecutors, along with our partners at HSI, for returning these more than 100 antiquities back to the people of Pakistan. We will continue to celebrate Manhattan’s status as one of the cultural capitals of the world while doing everything possible to ensure that the antiquities sitting in our galleries and museums arrived here legally,” said Manhattan District Attorney Alvin J. Bragg.
Since 2009, HSI has repatriated over 20,000 objects to more than 40 countries worldwide. In addition to its work facilitating repatriations, HSI’s Cultural Property, Art and Antiquities group continues to execute its mission to investigate leads, work alongside partners and pursue individuals and networks engaged in the trafficking of cultural property, art and antiquities.
Members of the public who have information about the illicit distribution of cultural property or the illegal trafficking of artwork should call the toll-free HSI Tip Line at 877-4-HSI-TIP.
About HSI
HSI is the principal investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security, responsible for investigating transnational crime and threats, specifically those criminal organizations that exploit the global infrastructure through which international trade, travel and finance move. HSI’s workforce consists of over 10,000 employees, assigned to 235 offices within the United States, and 93 overseas locations in 56 countries. HSI's international presence represents the Department of Homeland Security’s largest investigative law enforcement presence abroad and one of the largest international footprints in U.S. law enforcement.