Five arrested in Italian art smuggling

Saturday, October 8, 2005

Numerous smuggled artifacts were found at an Austrian tour guide's home. Five Italians were arrested and twenty-eight others are now being investigated. The Austrian, known as "Mozart" in the art trafficking world, received a citation for his involvement.

Police claim that some 600 artifacts, which had been illegally excavated, were found. Most ranged from 8th century BCE to the 5th century CE. Many of the items were gold and silver, along with ceramics. One item, a cup, has been valued at several thousand Euros.

The artifacts were plundered from an archaeological site near Rome by "Mozart" using his tour guide credentials. Italian authorities expect that the plundered artifacts will finally be displayed in Italian museums.

Sources

Marta Falconi. Italian police arrest 5 in art crackdown — Associated Press, October 7, 2005

Italy "breaks art smuggling ring" — BBC News, October 7, 2005

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