Manhattan returns stolen artifacts to Egypt and Pakistan.

Fifty significant artifacts that were looted from Egypt and Pakistan, and subsequently trafficked through Manhattan by well-known antiquities dealers, have been returned to their respective home countries. This repatriation, announced by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, marks a significant development in the ongoing efforts to combat the illicit trade in cultural property.

The artifacts, some of which date back to approximately 3300 BCE, represent the culmination of two separate investigations into complex criminal trafficking networks. These operations were linked to the activities of notorious traffickers Robin Symes and Subhash Kapoor. Symes, who passed away in 2023, was known for his extensive involvement in antiquities smuggling throughout the latter half of the 20th century. Kapoor, currently 76 years old, was convicted for orchestrating a large-scale international smuggling operation, valued at an estimated 0 million. His illicit activities included the theft of 19 ancient idols, which were then illegally transferred to his art gallery in Manhattan.

The recent repatriation effort saw 11 artifacts returned to Egypt and 39 to Pakistan. Among the notable items returned is a mummy mask of a youth, which dates back to the Roman period in Egypt, approximately between 100 and 300 CE. This mask is part of the renowned Fayum Portraits, celebrated for their striking realism and artistic value. Additionally, a terracotta vessel adorned with painted fish, dating from between 3300 and 1300 BCE, was also returned to Pakistan; it was seized from a Manhattan dealer in 2025.

Since its inception in 2017, the Antiquities Trafficking Unit has made significant strides in addressing cultural property crimes. The unit has successfully convicted 17 individuals associated with such offenses, while also recovering over 6,000 antiquities valued at more than 0 million. To date, more than 5,500 of these items have been returned to a total of 30 countries, demonstrating a commitment to restoring cultural heritage that has been lost through unlawful means.

This recent development in the repatriation of looted artifacts not only underscores the importance of safeguarding global cultural heritage but also reflects ongoing efforts within law enforcement to combat the illicit antiquities trade.