A thousand-year-old stolen cultural treasure worth millions of dollars was handed over to Pakistan at an impressive ceremony in the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office. The antiquities date back to the Gandharan period (3500-2600 BCE).
Ceremony and Agreement
At the ceremony, Consul General of Pakistan in New York, Aamer Ahmed Atozai, and Chief of the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office Antiquities Trafficking Unit, Colonel Matthew Bogdanos, signed an agreement. Assistant Special Agent Christopher Lau of Homeland Security Investigations was also present. Some recovered antiquities were displayed during the event.
Expression of Gratitude
Consul General Atozai expressed gratitude to the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office and the Department of Homeland Security. He emphasized that returning these artifacts restores part of Pakistan’s cultural heritage and strengthens international cooperation against cultural property crimes.
Notable Recovered Items
The returned items include a Gandharan statue of a Maitreya, Mehrgarh Dolls, an ancient gold coin, and early human-crafted figurines. Extensive investigations uncovered an international trafficking network that smuggled looted antiquities into markets in the USA, Europe, and Asia.
International Collaboration
The Consulate General of Pakistan in New York acknowledged the efforts of all involved in the recovery and return of these cultural treasures. This event highlights the power of international collaboration in preserving cultural heritage.
Details of the Trafficking Network
US Homeland Security and New York law enforcement officials revealed that the largest consignment, including a Fasting Buddha, was confiscated from an Indian dealer who fled after conviction and remains at large, listed on the most wanted list. This individual is also wanted in Germany.
Previous Repatriations
US authorities previously returned other large lots of stolen Gandharan art to Pakistan, worth millions of dollars. The repatriation of these goods involved significant costs for the Pakistani government in insurance, freight, and other expenses.
Challenges and Corruption
Pakistani authorities have not taken serious measures to safeguard cultural heritage. Corrupt officials often facilitate the smuggling of these antiques to other countries.
