Archive · 23 May 2025
European Police Seize Thousands of Looted Cultural Objects
European police have recovered thousands of stolen cultural objects in a recent operation.
Law enforcement from 23 countries, coordinated by Spain's Guardia Civil, seized items like art, coins, and musical instruments.
These artifacts were often being sold online.
The operation, called Pandora IX, led to the arrest of 80 suspects and the confiscation of various tools used for illegal excavation.
In Spain, a group looting archaeological sites was dismantled, and in Greece, authorities recovered Byzantine icons.
The police also used cyber patrols to find items being sold online, leading to the seizure of even more cultural goods.
Europol announced the recovery of around 38,000 cultural objects across 23 countries.
The international investigation, codenamed Pandora IX, was coordinated by Spain's Guardia Civil.
Authorities arrested 80 suspects as part of the operation.
Recovered artifacts included artworks, coins, musical instruments, and archaeological finds.
Cyber patrols were used to identify illicit online sales, resulting in additional seizures.
- Who
- European law enforcement agencies, including Spain's Guardia Civil, Europol, and customs officials.
- What
- Europol announced the seizure of thousands of looted cultural objects, including art, coins, musical instruments, and archaeological finds.
- When
- The operation, codenamed Pandora IX, was carried out throughout 2024.
- Where
- In 23 countries across Europe, with Spain's Guardia Civil coordinating the international investigation.
- Why
- To combat the international trafficking and theft of cultural property.
- Operation Name
- Pandora IX
- Number of Countries Involved
- 23
- Number of Suspects Arrested
- 80
- Approximate Number of Recovered Artifacts
- 38,000
- Operation Period
- 2024
- Coordinating Country
- Spain