Ancient Egyptian Artifacts Valued at Millions Seized by U.S. Government

BALTIMORE, Maryland – The United States government has successfully obtained a default judgment in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, leading to the forfeiture of 14 ancient Egyptian artifacts that were illegally smuggled into the country. This development was announced by U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes for the District of Maryland, in conjunction with Acting Special Agent in Charge Evan Campanella of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) – Baltimore, and Executive Director Stephen Maloney of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) National Targeting Center.

Among the forfeited items are various amulets, stone figurines, a vase, and a significant “Old Kingdom Limestone Funerary Statue.” The estimated value of this funerary statue alone is approximately $6 million. Experts believe it likely originated from ancient royal cemeteries in Saqqara or Giza, located near Memphis in present-day Egypt. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers intercepted these artifacts at several international airports across the United States as they were being shipped from overseas to private collectors.

The government’s complaint detailed that between August 2020 and April 2021, CBP identified these artifacts during inspections of numerous packages originating from overseas. These shipments were transiting through airports in Anchorage, Alaska, Cincinnati, Ohio, and New York City. Records indicate that at least one of these shipments was ultimately destined for a private collector residing in Edgewater, Maryland. The shipping documentation for these parcels contained misleading descriptions, such as “home décor,” “stone garden statue,” or “decoration,” and deliberately omitted the true origin and value of the ancient artifacts. Following their seizure, historians and antique appraisers working with CBP confirmed the genuine nature and historical significance of each item. In situations such as this, the Department of Justice typically works through established diplomatic channels to repatriate illegally smuggled cultural property to its country of origin.

This action underscores a key benefit of civil asset forfeiture, serving as an important step in removing trafficked cultural property from the U.S. art market. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland has stated its commitment to combating the illicit trade of cultural property and the smuggling of ancient artifacts, utilizing all available legal tools, including asset forfeiture, to disrupt this illegal antiquities market. These recovered artifacts are not merely historical relics but are considered irreplaceable components of global cultural heritage, offering insights into human civilization. The deceptive methods employed to bring these treasures into the United States not only violate import laws but also impede efforts to preserve and protect cultural history. HSI maintains its dedication to collaborating with partner agencies to hold accountable those who profit from the exploitation of cultural heritage, thereby helping to safeguard priceless pieces of history and reinforcing a commitment to protecting shared global heritage. The successful recovery of these artifacts exemplifies the diligent work of CBP personnel and their National Targeting Center in identifying and dismantling networks that exploit international trade routes. The seizure of the Egyptian statue, valued at $6 million, highlights CBP’s commitment to safeguarding cultural heritage and working collaboratively to identify individuals involved in theft and smuggling.

U.S. Attorney Hayes recognized the efforts of HSI’s Cultural Property, Art and Antiquities Unit for their investigation into this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven T. Brantley is credited with litigating the case, with support from law clerk Amy Rappole and paralegal Nicole Orlovitz.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Maryland.

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