The US Department of Homeland Security made a significant announcement in 2022 regarding the repatriation of stolen antiquities to Cambodia, unveiling a breakthrough in the fight against illicit trafficking. New York, a central hub for such activities, has witnessed the seizure of numerous artworks from museums and private collectors in recent years, underscoring the pervasive nature of the problem.
In a statement released by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, it was revealed that 30 antiquities, valued at $3 million, had been returned to Cambodia and Indonesia. Bragg highlighted the restoration of 27 pieces to Phnom Penh and three to Jakarta through two repatriation ceremonies. Notable among the recovered items were a bronze statue of the Hindu deity Shiva, stolen from Cambodia, and a stone bas-relief portraying two royal figures from the Majapahit empire, taken from Indonesia.
The spotlight fell on American art dealers Subhash Kapoor and Nancy Wiener, accused by Bragg of complicity in the illegal trafficking of these antiquities. Kapoor, of American-Indian descent, had been under investigation for over a decade in a case dubbed “Hidden Idol,” which alleged his involvement in a network smuggling stolen items from Southeast Asia and selling them through his Manhattan gallery. Kapoor’s arrest in Germany in 2011 led to his trial and subsequent 13-year prison sentence in India in November 2022, despite his denial of the charges.
Wiener, who was convicted in 2021 of trafficking in stolen artworks, attempted to sell the bronze Shiva statue before ultimately donating it to the Denver Museum of Art in 2007. However, the piece was later seized by New York courts in 2023.
The return of these artifacts was hailed as a significant step in preserving cultural heritage and strengthening diplomatic ties between the US and the affected nations. Cambodia’s ambassador to the US, Keo Chhea, expressed gratitude for the repatriation, emphasizing its importance in safeguarding shared heritage. Similarly, Indonesia’s Consul General Winanto Adi lauded Bragg’s efforts, describing them as a “precious gift” as the two countries celebrated their 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
The repatriation underscores ongoing efforts to dismantle trafficking networks and protect the cultural legacies of nations worldwide, signaling a renewed commitment to preserving our collective past for future generations.
