Manhattan D.A. Bragg Returns 41 Antiquities To Türkiye

Eight of the pieces were recovered pursuant to an ongoing and far-reaching criminal investigation into a well-organized antiquities-smuggling network that systematically looted Bubon, a magnificent Roman-era site in southwestern Türkiye that experienced widespread looting in the 1960’s. The pieces were returned at a ceremony with Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye Gökhan Yazgi and U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) Assistant Special Agent in Charge Tom Acocella. 

“These are exquisite pieces that represent the breadth of Türkiye’s cultural heritage, said District Attorney Bragg. “I am proud that during my administration we have returned 90 antiquities to Türkiye, valued at more than $60 million and I thank our partners for their continued collaboration.” 

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York Special Agent in Charge Ivan J. Arvelo said, “HSI is proud to be a part of this grand repatriation. Today, 41 artifacts will be returned to their rightful home so their history can be shared with future generations. The relentless efforts of HSI New York’s Cultural Property, Art, and Antiquities Group and the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office is vital to disrupting the illegal trafficking of antiquities and ensuring these priceless artifacts find their way home.” 

“Over the past 5 years, our strong and growing collaboration with the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations has been a visionary model of successful teamwork — not just for us, but for all countries. Together I believe we can put an end to the blows dealt to the identity and history of nations,” said Deputy Minister Gökhan Yazgi of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye.

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