NEW YORK — Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York Special Agent in Charge William S. Walker joined Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Under Secretary for Policy Robert Silvers and Ukraine’s Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications Mykola Tochytskyi Sept. 23 for a ceremony to repatriate four antique sabers to the Government of Ukraine.
“The repatriation of four ancient swords to the People of Ukraine underscores the vital importance of collaboration among partners in our shared pursuit of a greater goal: righting the wrongs of history's bad actors. Justice comes in many forms, and we are privileged to stand alongside our Ukrainian counterparts in returning a piece of their cherished heritage,” said Walker.
“The United States stands with Ukraine in the face of Russia’s unprovoked aggression and against efforts to erase Ukraine’s rich history,” said Silvers. “Returning these four stolen artifacts — thanks to the incredible work by CBP and HSI — marked a powerful moment of cultural preservation and reaffirms our commitment to supporting Ukraine and its resilient people.”
Walker thanked HSI’s International Operations Division, the government of Ukraine and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for their outstanding collaboration.
“Each returned artifact is a small victory in our struggle for our identity and, ultimately, for our victory,” said Tochytskyi. “Our artifacts are the symbols of the Ukraine, its aspiration for freedom and independence. And as long as we have them, we will live, fight, and win.”
According to the investigation, in or around June 2022, HSI New York special agents assigned to John F. Kennedy International Airport received information from CBP regarding a package shipped from Russia. The package was manifested as a barbecue set but was found to contain what appeared to be four antique sabers.
Experts from the National Museum of History of Ukraine found that the sabers are from the 9th to 13th centuries. According to the experts, this type of weapon belonged to nomadic and seminomadic people who, at that time, lived in the Eurasian steppe and whose weaponry was largely borrowed by the population of Kyivan Rus.
This seizure is part of a larger investigation that has included other Ukrainian artifacts repatriated since 2023.
HSI special agents regularly work closely with foreign governments to conduct joint investigations to 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 unit 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 and the illegal trafficking of artwork can call the toll-free HSI Tip Line at 877-4-HSI-TIP.