Carabinieri recover 105,000 cultural works in one year: a victory in the fight against illicit trafficking
In the ongoing battle against the illegal trafficking of cultural heritage, the Carabinieri of the Command for the Protection of Cultural Heritage have achieved a significant milestone. According to the report “Operational Activities 2023” released by the specialized unit of the Italian police force, a total of 105,474 works of art with an estimated value of 264,055,727 euros have been recovered in the past year alone. This accomplishment is a testament to the tireless efforts of the Carabinieri in safeguarding our cultural heritage.
The Carabinieri’s commitment to protecting cultural heritage is evident in their extensive database, which is considered to be the oldest and most comprehensive in the world, with over 1.3 million files. This database has been instrumental in identifying and recovering stolen artworks, ultimately returning them to their rightful owners, whether they be public institutions or private collectors. Over the past fifty years, the Carabinieri have successfully restored more than three million cultural artifacts.
The latest data reveals a gradual decrease in crimes against cultural heritage. Compared to the previous year, there has been a slight reduction in thefts (from 333 to 267) and stolen objects (from 4,144 to 3,483), while the number of recovered items has increased significantly (from 48,522 to 105,474). These recovered items include a wide range of cultural artifacts such as archaeological finds, books and archives, numismatic objects, and graphic/pictorial and mosaic works.
In addition to recovering stolen artworks, the Carabinieri have also intensified their efforts in monitoring and protecting archaeological sites and areas. The number of checks conducted on archaeological sites has increased from 1,538 to 1,874. Furthermore, their dedication to law enforcement is evident in the significant number of arrests made in connection with these crimes. In the past year, 20 individuals have been arrested, compared to 6 in the previous year. Additionally, 47 people have been charged with participating in criminal organizations, and 130 individuals have faced legal consequences for engaging in illegal excavations.
A detailed breakdown of the Carabinieri’s activities in 2023 reveals that they recovered 67,963 archaeological artifacts and 10,273 paleontological artifacts. Notably, there has been a noticeable decrease in thefts related to the antiquities sector, particularly in private residences (from 91 to 79) and places of worship (from 135 to 92).
In their efforts to combat illicit activities, the Carabinieri conducted 1,957 checks on antique dealerships and 624 inspections at markets and fairs. These actions led to the recovery of 105,474 cultural artifacts, including 24,445 archival and bibliographic documents, 1,102 paintings, and 369 sculptures. Their enforcement activities have resulted in the prosecution of 477 individuals for receiving stolen goods and 37 individuals for the illegal exportation of culturally significant items. Furthermore, in their fight against counterfeiting, the Carabinieri have reported an increase in the number of people charged (109 individuals, a 29% increase compared to the previous year) and the seizure of counterfeit works (1,936 items, a 56% increase), including antiquities, archaeological and paleontological artifacts, and contemporary art. The estimated value of these forged artworks is approximately 45,399,150 euros.
Recognizing the growing use of online platforms for illicit trade and the illegal exportation of cultural goods, the Carabinieri’s Command for the Protection of Cultural Heritage has implemented the Stolen Works Of Art Detection System (S.W.O.A.D.S.). This artificial intelligence-based system collects data and images from the web, deep web, and social media, which are then compared to photos of the artworks in their database. In 2023, over 984 websites were monitored, and 6,674 items were examined through this system. As a result, 31,689 cultural artifacts were recovered from these websites, a significant increase from the 4,935 items recovered in the previous year. These items include 18,734 archival and bibliographic documents, 536 archaeological artifacts, 9,337 numismatic objects, 291 counterfeit works, 60 sculptures, and 147 paintings. In total, 101 individuals have been reported for their involvement in these online illicit activities.
The Carabinieri’s relentless efforts in combating the illegal trafficking of cultural heritage have undoubtedly made a significant impact. Their dedication to protecting our shared cultural heritage is commendable, as they continue to recover stolen artworks and bring those responsible to justice. The fight against illicit trafficking is far from over, but with the Carabinieri leading the way, there is hope for a future where our cultural treasures are preserved and enjoyed by generations to come.
