Major Art Trafficking Bust Leads to 80 Arrests and Seizure of 37,700 Cultural Goods

In a significant international effort, Europol, INTERPOL, and the World Customs Organization have announced the results of Operation Pandora IX, targeting the trafficking of cultural goods. This operation, conducted throughout 2024 with the support of investigators from 23 countries, has resulted in 80 arrests and the seizure of 37,727 items, including archaeological pieces, artworks, coins, and musical instruments.

The operation coordinated by Spain’s Guardia Civil, with assistance from Europol, INTERPOL, and the WCO, also saw the confiscation of 69 metal detectors and 23 tools commonly used for illegal excavations, highlighting the ongoing threat of looting to cultural sites. A total of 258 cases were reported by the participating countries, with many investigations still ongoing and further arrests expected.

In specific highlights of the operation, the Italian Carabinieri Command for the Protection of Cultural Heritage seized a painting attributed to artist Jannis Kounellis, determined to be inauthentic. In Spain, the Guardia Civil dismantled a criminal group involved in archaeological looting, recovering 2,500 Roman coins. Additionally, in Greece, five Byzantine icons were recovered, and in Ukraine, 87 cultural goods were seized while being illegally transported out of the country.

Cyber patrols conducted during the operation identified potential illicit online sales of cultural property, leading to the seizure of 4,298 cultural goods. Operation Pandora IX, part of the European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats, aims to protect cultural heritage from illicit trafficking and has been a crucial global initiative since its launch in 2016.

The successful results of Operation Pandora IX demonstrate the importance of international cooperation in combating the illegal trafficking of cultural goods, with Europol, INTERPOL, and the World Customs Organization playing key roles in supporting the investigations and operations.