Manhattan D.A. Bragg announces Return of 14 Antiquities to Türkiye

The antiquities were recovered pursuant to several ongoing investigations, including into a trafficking network that systemically looted the ancient city of Bubon and trafficked those pieces into Manhattan. Pieces were also seized pursuant to an investigation into RICHARD BEALE, a trafficker who was convicted by the Office in August 2023 of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property and Conspiracy. The 14 pieces were returned at a ceremony with Gokhan Yazgı, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye; Muhittin Ahmet Yazal, Consul General, Consulate General of the Republic of Türkiye in New York; and Kevin O’Malley, Acting Deputy Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, New York.

“Ancient sites in Türkiye have seen significant looting and we are continuing to investigate and track down pieces stolen from Bubon. I thank HSI for their continued partnership and to our team of prosecutors and analysts for their work to ensure these 14 antiquities can return to where they rightfully belong,” said District Attorney Bragg.

Gokhan Yazgı, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye, said, “Türkiye considers the protection of cultural property and the prevention of illicit trafficking a top priority. Our authorities regularly engage in awareness-raising and capacity-building activities, and we have been vocal on the international stage regarding our strong stance against this serious crime. However, this fight cannot be won alone—it also requires strong cooperation. We extend our gratitude to MDA and HSI for their relentless efforts in helping to right these wrongs. Owing to the investigations conducted by MDA and HSI, and supported by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Türkiye, the cultural property that was illegally removed from Türkiye is finally coming back to its rightful home. This fills us with hope for the future, as we continue together in the fight to protect cultural heritage.”

“The 14 artifacts repatriated today date back before the turn of the century and are collectively worth millions of dollars. However, each piece is truly considered priceless to the civilizations and people robbed of their ability to cherish their significance,” said HSI New York Acting Special Agent in Charge Darren B. McCormack. “Today, we proudly stand alongside our global and law enforcement partners once again, sending a message to antiquities traffickers and their willful co-conspirators: No piece of history will be forgotten. HSI New York’s Cultural Property, Art, and Antiquities group will relentlessly pursue those who place their greed above the sanctity of a people’s heritage.”

Bubon is home to an archaeological site that includes a Sebasteion – a shrine dedicated to the veneration of Roman emperors – and the city was subject to significant looting during the 1960’s. Three of the pieces being returned today were stolen by the Bubon Trafficking Network, which has laundered looted antiquities from the ancient city through cultural institutions in Manhattan and throughout the United States.

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