The Antiquities Coalition is leading the international campaign against cultural racketeering, the illicit trade in ancient art and artifacts.
Washington, DC
Joined January 2014
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The Cultural Property Advisory Committee will meet virtually Oct. 27 to review proposed extensions of U.S. Cultural Property Agreements with Cyprus, Guatemala, and Peru.
Join the public open session Oct. 27 at 2 p.m. EDT.
→ Learn more: state.gov/cultural-heritage-…
ICYMI—The AC was proud to join @UNODC, @UNESCO, @Europol, @GI_TOC, and Lebanon for a dedicated discussion on cultural property crime at the 15th #UNCrimeCongress in Abu Dhabi.
🌐 Read more: theantiquitiescoalition.org/…
🏛️ NEXT WEEK Cultural property is on the agenda at the 15th #UNCrimeCongress.
The AC will join one of two sessions exploring practical ways to strengthen international cooperation against this crime to strengthen #GlobalSecurity.
See fliers for details!
🏛️ @ManhattanDA announced the return of 15 antiquities valued at nearly $3M to the people of Greece.
Read more: ow.ly/51r650ZQzmG
TOMORROW AIA Archaeology Hour present a talk from National Geographic Explorer and Antiquities Coalition Advisor, Dr. Eric Cline.
🏺Homer, Hollywood, and Historical Context
September 23, 2026
8:00 pm ET
Register here: ow.ly/Guha50ZQmMN
Don’t miss AC Executive Director Tess Davis as she discusses “Restitution Through Diplomacy,” a study of U.S.-Italian cooperation to recover a rare manuscript lost during WWII.
📍In-person/Online
📅September 24, 2026
🚨Project Spotlight: Guardians of the Gods
Museum of Stolen Art and Heritage is creating records that can help recover Nepal's displaced cultural heritage
stolenartnepal.org/#top
📅Mark Your Calendar📅
Preparing Museums for a Crisis: Lessons from #Ukraine
📍Thursday, September 17 | 12–1:30 PM EDT
💻 Online event
eventbrite.com/e/preparing-m…
⛑️ Syria’s Cultural Heritage Is Vulnerable
The full scale of the threat is difficult to assess amid rapid political and security changes. But one thing is clear: demand for looted material endures—and Syria is a target.
ow.ly/6F1250ZFiPi
💡NEW from the AC Blog: ICIJ Highlights the Case for Proactive Museum Repatriation
Returning looted cultural heritage can advance justice, strengthen international partnerships, and help build a more ethical global museum network.
ow.ly/eNi050ZFhMA
🧩 What can the “low-end” of the art and antiquities market tell us about combating the illicit trade?
More than you think → link.springer.com/book/10.10…
🕵️♂️ What We’re Watching—Art Crime on @WIRED’s #HeistSupport
Former FBI Special Agent and member of the FBI Art Crime Squad Geoffrey Kelly joins WIRED to answer the internet’s burning #ArtCrime questions.
youtube.com/watch?v=LYPJBKuX…
⚠️ Shocking Looting in Syria Revealed in New Study ⚠️
Satellite analysis of 200 archaeological sites throughout #Syria found that from 2015 to 2025, 59% of the sites had been looted—compared with just 13% from 2011 to 2016.
Learn more: phys.org/news/2026-07-syria-…
📊 Strong data = strong heritage protection. Transparent reporting helps law enforcement identify trafficking trends, target enforcement, and better protect archaeological sites.
Want to see what we mean? Check it out: saudigazette.com.sa/article/…
🖼️🤝💰 Links between antiquities trafficking and financial crime? Count on it.
AC Executive Director, @Terressa_Davis, talks AML, market integrity, and the fight against #CulturalRacketeering with @AMLRightSrc. hubs.li/Q04r8NZL0
🏺 A miner's cart of dirt-encrusted antiquities.
💼 A shell company.
🤐 A confession.
For @Hyperallergic, @ArtCrimeProf examines the Aboutaam network—and asks what responsibility museums have to report suspicious objects.
hyperallergic.com/why-do-so-…
The @FT profile of Matthew Bogdanos highlights a simple truth: Accountability isn't anti-market—it's what makes a thriving #ArtMarket possible.
A transparent market rewards legitimate buyers, strengthens confidence, and helps honest dealers thrive.
ow.ly/RGOU50ZsobY
Another victory against #CulturalRacketeering.
The @ManhattanDA Office has returned three looted Khmer sculptures to #Cambodia and acknowledged the Antiquities Coalition for supporting these investigations. But many treasures remain missing.
Learn more: theantiquitiescoalition.org/…
🌏 Country Highlight: India
In 2026 alone, the @ManhattanDA Office has returned 657 stolen antiquities to #India —a remarkable success.
But the work continues→ 420 antiquities stolen from protected monuments remain missing.
ow.ly/X1f650ZjGli
🇺🇸 A Legacy Worth Celebrating 🇺🇸
This #America250, we celebrate a tradition of American leadership that extends beyond our borders: protecting our shared heritage.
The U.S. leads global efforts to keep stop art crime, protect shared heritage, and strengthen global security.
