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Antiquities Trafficking Investigation Reveals Suspected Ties to Terrorism and Money Laundering — “Seize and Send” Outcome Flags Need for Special Prosecutors

ByRick St. Hilaire

ICE returned smuggled antiquities to Afghanistanduring a photo-op held in Washington, DC in 2013.No prosecutions resulted from the case. Newly obtained documents released by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reveal…

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Bagpipes Seizure by U.S. Customs May Spur Police Involvement in Ivory Ban Debate

ByRick St. Hilaire

This week’s seizure by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) of two teenagers’ vintage bagpipes may serve to increase public opposition against the current blanket ban on the movement and…

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Another Due Diligence Lesson as Becchina Archive Produces U.S. Court Forfeiture of Antiquities from Italy

ByRick St. Hilaire

Yesterday’s order of forfeiture in the case of United States v. One Attic Red-Figure Skyphos and One Apulian Red-Figure Bell Krater (2014-cv-00448 NDNY) provides another example of why dealers and collectors…

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CPIA-Related Obstruction Case Concludes with Probation, a Fine, and Forfeiture of Chinese Cultural Objects

ByRick St. Hilaire

Sentencing of a Chinese artifacts dealer and his company for obstruction of justice took place last week in the Southern District of Florida. The U.S. Attorney in Miami commenced the…

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Plea Deal Reached with Chinese Artifacts Dealer Charged with Obstruction

ByRick St. Hilaire

An antiquities gallery and its manager entered agreements with federal prosecutors last week to plead guilty to obstruction of justice under 18 U.S.C. § 1512(c)(2). U.S. Attorney Wifredo Ferrer The U.S….

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Korean Artifacts Seizure Prompts Question of Legal Authority

ByRick St. Hilaire

Last week in San Diego, California, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) seized nine national and royal seals originating from the Korean Empire and the Joseon Dynasty….