Interpol Seizes Nearly 10,000 Looted Cultural Artifacts In Worldwide Sting

Officials from Interpol spread over 28 countries have seized nearly 10,000 cultural artifacts in the latest phase of Operation Pandora, a worldwide effort to halt illegal trafficking. 

In addition to the 9,408 goods confiscated, 52 people were arrested—at airports, border crossings, auction houses, museums, and private residences—in connection with the smuggling.

Furthermore, according to Artnet News, authorities from the National Police Force of the Netherlands kept their eyes on online marketplaces to spot any stolen artifacts being sold.

The four-month-long operation was spearheaded by the Spanish authorities, overseen by Europol, Interpol, and the World Customs Organization. To date, Operation Pandora has taken in 147,050 goods and made 407 arrests. 

The Guardian noted that the goods recovered included archaeological artifacts, furniture, coins, sculptures, paintings, and even musical instruments. 

Going forward, there are still 170 open investigations currently ongoing, with the agency expecting more arrests and seizures to be made in the coming months.

[via Artnet News and The Guardian, images via Interpol]