In single largest repatriation, US returns India 307 antiquities worth $4 million

New Delhi, Oct 20: In a huge development, US authorities on Monday returned to India 307 antiquities valued at $ 4 million (close to Rs 33 crore). These antiquities were stolen by multiple smaller trafficking networks to India including Subhash Kapoor.

 

 

In an official release, "the Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., announced the return of 307 antiquities valued at nearly $4 million to the people of India. 235 of the antiquities were seized pursuant to the Office’s investigation into SUBHASH KAPOOR, a prolific looter who helped traffic items from Afghanistan, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and other countries."

 

 

According to the statement, "Five of the antiquities were seized according to the Office's investigation into Nancy Wiener, and one according to an investigation into Nayef Homsi." All the antiquities were returned during a repatriation ceremony at the Indian Consulate in New York attended by India's Consul General Randhir Jaiswal, and US Homeland Security Investigations ("HSI") Acting Deputy Special Agent-in-Charge, Tom Lau.

 

 

"We are proud to return hundreds of stunning pieces to the people of India," the press statement quoted District Attorney Bragg as saying. "These antiquities were stolen by multiple complex and sophisticated trafficking rings - the leaders of which showed no regard for the cultural or historical significance of these objects. Tracking down these antiquities would not be possible without the collaboration of our law enforcement partners at HSI and the outstanding work of our world-class investigators," he added.

 

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Alfonso said, "Today we are proud to join our partners from the Manhattan District Attorney's Office to return an incredible 307 stolen works of art and antiquities to their rightful home in India. This repatriation is the result of a globe-spanning, fifteen-year investigation whereas the investigative team chased leads, followed the money and ultimately seized these pieces, ensuring their return to the people of India."

 

 

Among the pieces being returned is the Arch Parikara, crafted from marble and valued at approximately USD 85,000. The Arch Parikara first surfaced in photographs depicting antiquity in a dirty, pre-restoration condition. These photographs, along with dozens of others depicting antiquities lying in the grass or on the ground, were sent to Kapoor by a supplier of illicit in India. The piece was smuggled out of India and into New York in May 2002, the statement reads.

Thereafter, Kapoor laundered the Arch Parikara to the Nathan Rubin - Ida Ladd Family Foundation, who donated the piece to the Yale University Art Gallery in 2007, the statement added. In 2022 alone, the Office has returned 682 antiquities, valued at over USD 84 million to 13 countries. Since its founding, the Antiquities Trafficking Unit has returned nearly 2,200 antiquities, valued at over USD 160 million, to 22 countries.