600 looted artworks worth €60M repatriated to Italy from US

A total of 600 stolen artworks from Italy, estimated to be worth €60 million, have been returned to the United States. This collection, which dates from the 9th century BCE to the 2nd century CE, includes items obtained through illegal excavations and thefts from churches and museums. Among the notable artifacts are a bronze cauldron, a Hellenistic statue, and a Roman mosaic. The repatriation event took place at the Istituto Centrale per il Restauro (ICR) in Rome, organized by the Carabinieri for the Protection of Cultural Heritage (TPC). The Stolen Works Of Art Detection System was employed in the recovery efforts. Since 2007, operation 'Symes' has successfully returned approximately 900 pieces. In 2023, TPC recovered 105,474 artworks valued at over €264 million. Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano highlighted the importance of this return for local communities.