WASHINGTON — On May 22, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Executive Associate Director Katrina W. Berger and Ambassador of Spain to the United States Angeles Moreno Bau announced the repatriation of a part of the Spanish Bibliographic Heritage, the "Sumario Breve de la Practica de la Arithmetica,” to the Kingdom of Spain.
The rare arithmetic book was authored by Juan Andres and published in 1515. The antiquity was identified as part of a multiagency effort involving HSI New York, HSI Madrid, the Kingdom of Spain, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the World Customs Organization to identify and recover historically significant, rare books belonging to other countries or private citizens that were being shipped illegally to the United States.
"It is an honor to stand alongside Homeland Security Investigations’ foreign and domestic partners in repatriating this rare piece of Spain’s cherished heritage. Beyond any monetary value, the ‘Sumario Breve de la Practica de la Arithmetica’ is intrinsically linked to the people of Spain and is instrumental in providing insight into the history of their home country,” said Berger. “HSI stands at the forefront of investigating crimes related to the unlawful trafficking of cultural treasures, artistic marvels and ancient relics. Today and always, we remain resolute in our commitment to righting the wrongs of history’s bad actors.”
“It is a very special day for us to host the repatriation event of this book here at the Embassy of Spain, marking the collaboration between our two countries in such an important matter as cultural heritage,” said Moreno.
According to the investigation, in November 2021, HSI New York’s Cultural Property, Art and Antiquities special agents received information regarding the possible illicit shipment of historically significant books from a South America-based business. Through the use of investigative means, law enforcement suspected the shipper was attempting to smuggle books without proper export licenses or without undergoing inspection processes used to determine each piece's significance to the country from which it came. Special agents received information indicating the Arithmetica is considered part of the Spanish Bibliographic Heritage and would never have been granted an export license.
In May 2022, HSI New York special agents seized the volume, which was subsequently abandoned by the book’s consignor in July 2022.
Cultural Property, Art and Antiquities special agents regularly work closely with foreign governments to conduct joint investigations. Together, they pursue and combat transnational organized crime related to the illicit trafficking of cultural artifacts by targeting high-priority organizations and strengthening international law enforcement partnerships.
Since 2009, HSI has repatriated over 20,000 objects to more than 40 countries worldwide. In addition to its work facilitating repatriations, HSI’s Cultural Property, Art and Antiquities program continues to execute its mission to investigate leads, work alongside partners, and pursue individuals and networks engaged in the trafficking of cultural property, art and antiquities.
Members of the public who have information about the illicit distribution of cultural property, as well as the illegal trafficking of artwork, are asked to call the toll-free HSI Tip Line at 877-4-HSI-TIP.