NEW YORK — Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York investigations, in coordination with the New York County District Attorney’s Office, have resulted in the repatriation of 30 artifacts to the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Republic of Indonesia.
The pieces were recovered pursuant to multiple ongoing investigations into trafficking networks targeting Southeast Asian antiquities, including those of alleged trafficker Subhash Kapoor and convicted trafficker Nancy Wiener.
“In the past week, HSI New York has proudly reunited the people of Cambodia and Indonesia with 30 artifacts that represent each country’s uniquely robust cultural heritage. For years, these pieces were in the hands of people who saw nothing beyond the profit and status of their illicit possession,” said HSI New York Special Agent in Charge Ivan J. Arvelo. “HSI New York’s Cultural Property, Art and Antiquities Group has worked tirelessly with international partners to take these small steps in seeking justice against some of the world’s most prolific traffickers. I thank the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office and the governments of Cambodia and Indonesia for standing side by side with us in doing so.”
“We are continuing to investigate the wide-ranging trafficking networks that continue to target Southeast Asian antiquities. While we have made significant progress and have dismantled several prominent networks, there is clearly still much more work to do. These repatriation ceremonies show our continued commitment to protecting cultural heritage and returning stolen antiquities back home,” said District Attorney Alvin Bragg.
“Today’s ceremony isn’t just about returning lost treasures; it’s a renewal of commitment between nations to safeguard the soul of our shared heritage. This commitment, built on robust cooperation, is what makes today significant. Cambodia and the United States are setting a global standard for protecting and repatriating cultural heritage. Through this united effort, we ensure the preservation of our collective past for future generations,” said Cambodia’s Ambassador to the United States Keo Chhea.
Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia Winanto Adi expressed his sincere appreciation to the New York District Attorney’s Office and all those involved in recovering the antiquities, noting that the repatriation helped commemorate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and the United States.
Repatriation of 27 artifacts to the Kingdom of Cambodia
Chhea joined executives from HSI New York and the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office for an April 19 ceremony recognizing the repatriation of 27 artifacts.
Key pieces include:
Repatriation of three artifacts to the Republic of Indonesia
Adi joined executives from HSI New York and the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office for an April 24 ceremony recognizing the repatriation of three artifacts.
Key pieces include:
About HSI
HSI is the principal investigative arm of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), responsible for investigating transnational crime and threats, specifically those criminal organizations that exploit the global infrastructure through which international trade, travel and finance move. HSI’s workforce of more than 8,700 employees consists of more than 6,000 special agents assigned to 237 cities throughout the United States, and 93 overseas locations in 56 countries. HSI’s international presence represents DHS’ largest investigative law enforcement presence abroad and one of the largest international footprints in U.S. law enforcement.