Carabinieri Recover Artworks Worth Over 200,000 Euros
In 2023, the Carabinieri of the Cultural Heritage Protection Unit in Genoa recovered 105 artworks with an estimated total value of 282,200 euros. This marks a significant success in their ongoing efforts to combat art theft and preserve Italy’s cultural heritage.
Compared to the previous year, there were fewer art thefts, with only 8 reported cases, of which 3 occurred in places of worship. This demonstrates the effectiveness of the preventive measures implemented by the Carabinieri in the Liguria region. They conducted 35 security checks at museums, libraries, and archives, monitored 50 archaeological sites, protected 133 areas with landscape constraints, and carried out 210 inspections at art fairs, antique markets, and related businesses.
Furthermore, the Carabinieri intensified their efforts to identify stolen cultural assets by utilizing advanced technology. Over 6,000 cultural artifacts were examined using the Stolen Works of Art Detection System, an artificial intelligence-driven database managed by the Tpc Command in Rome. This system automatically collects data and images from the web, deep web, and social media to aid in the identification of illicitly acquired artworks.
The Carabinieri also focused on bringing those involved in art crimes to justice. As a result of their investigative work, 24 individuals were reported to the authorities. Among them were 10 for receiving stolen cultural goods, 2 for illegal excavation, 2 for counterfeiting artworks, 1 for illicit exportation, and 8 for offenses against the landscape. Additionally, one person was charged with another unrelated crime in the sector.
The recovery of stolen cultural assets involved a diverse range of items. Twelve antiquities, including paintings, sculptures, and library/archival materials, were successfully retrieved. Additionally, 92 illegally obtained archaeological artifacts were seized. The Carabinieri also uncovered a counterfeit artwork during their operations.
The Carabinieri’s collaboration with other law enforcement agencies has been fruitful as well. They played a leading role in Operation Pandora VIII, led by Spain, which aims to combat the trafficking of cultural property. During this operation, the Carabinieri in Genoa seized two ancient amphorae that had been stolen from the Ligurian Sea.
In a separate investigation conducted by the Special Unit of the Carabinieri, under the direction of the Public Prosecutor’s Office of La Spezia, a rare printed book titled “Oratio dominica in 155 linguas versa et exoticis characteribus plerumque expressa” from 1806 was recovered. The book contains translations of the Lord’s Prayer in 155 languages and is considered the most extensive catalog of alphabets and characters ever published. It had been stolen from the Apostolic Library “Comboni” in Brescia.
The Carabinieri’s success in recovering stolen artworks and combating art crimes is a testament to their dedication and expertise. Their relentless efforts contribute to the preservation of Italy’s rich cultural heritage, protecting it for future generations.