Helena Arose
@helenaarose.bsky.social
Archaeologist | Director of Programs, Antiquities Coalition | Researcher of antiquities trafficking + cultural heritage protection | Personal account
Reposted by Helena Arose
Trade based money laundering in the antiquities trade
New Case: Statue of Dionysus, contributed by Emily Hamann
In 1996, this life-size Roman bronze statue of Dionysus was seized from a Swiss warehouse that belonged to Turkish trafficker Nevzat Telliagoglu after he was convicted in the UK of drug trafficking charges.
In 1996, this life-size Roman bronze statue of Dionysus was seized from a Swiss warehouse that belonged to Turkish trafficker Nevzat Telliagoglu after he was convicted in the UK of drug trafficking charges.
October 9, 2025 at 2:53 AM
Trade based money laundering in the antiquities trade
Reposted by Helena Arose
On Monday, the Greek Ministry of Culture announced the voluntary repatriation of 86 ancient artifacts to Greece by a private foreign collector, the result of a collaborative agreement
Anyone know the collector?
greekreporter.com/2025/09/22/g...
Anyone know the collector?
greekreporter.com/2025/09/22/g...
Greece Repatriates 86 Ancient Artifacts from a Private Collection - GreekReporter.com
Greece's Ministry of Culture announced on Monday the voluntary return of 86 ancient Greek artifacts by a private foreign collector.
greekreporter.com
September 23, 2025 at 3:56 AM
On Monday, the Greek Ministry of Culture announced the voluntary repatriation of 86 ancient artifacts to Greece by a private foreign collector, the result of a collaborative agreement
Anyone know the collector?
greekreporter.com/2025/09/22/g...
Anyone know the collector?
greekreporter.com/2025/09/22/g...
Reposted by Helena Arose
Why New York can be a risky place for dealers and museums to hold [stolen] art
Could the Manhattan district attorney's seizures be putting people off sending [stolen] artworks to the city?
www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/09/04/w...
Could the Manhattan district attorney's seizures be putting people off sending [stolen] artworks to the city?
www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/09/04/w...
Comment | Why New York can be a risky place for dealers and museums to hold art
Could the Manhattan district attorney's seizures be putting people off sending artworks to the city?
www.theartnewspaper.com
September 7, 2025 at 3:35 AM
Why New York can be a risky place for dealers and museums to hold [stolen] art
Could the Manhattan district attorney's seizures be putting people off sending [stolen] artworks to the city?
www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/09/04/w...
Could the Manhattan district attorney's seizures be putting people off sending [stolen] artworks to the city?
www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/09/04/w...
Reposted by Helena Arose
New Case: Pandava.
This sandstone sculpture of Pandava, depicting a warrior from Hindu mythology, was stolen from the Prasat Chan temple within Cambodia's Koh Ker complex, likely in the 1970s under the Khmer Rouge.
This sandstone sculpture of Pandava, depicting a warrior from Hindu mythology, was stolen from the Prasat Chan temple within Cambodia's Koh Ker complex, likely in the 1970s under the Khmer Rouge.
August 24, 2025 at 2:55 AM
New Case: Pandava.
This sandstone sculpture of Pandava, depicting a warrior from Hindu mythology, was stolen from the Prasat Chan temple within Cambodia's Koh Ker complex, likely in the 1970s under the Khmer Rouge.
This sandstone sculpture of Pandava, depicting a warrior from Hindu mythology, was stolen from the Prasat Chan temple within Cambodia's Koh Ker complex, likely in the 1970s under the Khmer Rouge.
Reposted by Helena Arose
🚨 New addition to our Ten Most Wanted Antiquities: The “Mariupol Bull Figurine,” one of more than 2,000 museum pieces that disappeared amid the chaos of Russia’s 2022 siege of Mariupol and the Kremlin’s broader campaign of cultural plunder.
Learn more: theantiquitiescoalition.org/antiquities-...
Learn more: theantiquitiescoalition.org/antiquities-...
Antiquities Coalition Enlists the Public to Help Ukraine Recover Missing Cultural Treasure - Antiquities Coalition
“Ten Most Wanted Antiquities” List Spotlights 8000-Year-Old Artifact Presumed Looted During Russian Invasion Washington, D.C., August 5, 2025—The Antiquities Coalition issued a global alert for the “M...
theantiquitiescoalition.org
August 5, 2025 at 7:36 PM
🚨 New addition to our Ten Most Wanted Antiquities: The “Mariupol Bull Figurine,” one of more than 2,000 museum pieces that disappeared amid the chaos of Russia’s 2022 siege of Mariupol and the Kremlin’s broader campaign of cultural plunder.
Learn more: theantiquitiescoalition.org/antiquities-...
Learn more: theantiquitiescoalition.org/antiquities-...
Reposted by Helena Arose
This case illustrates how organized crime groups use the US art market for trade-based money laundering — precisely the issue targeted in the new bipartisan legislation championed by several senators and @combatlooting.bsky.social
New Case: The 42 objects in Michael Ward's collection that were later returned were not just looted artifacts — they were evidence of money laundering.
July 28, 2025 at 2:22 PM
This case illustrates how organized crime groups use the US art market for trade-based money laundering — precisely the issue targeted in the new bipartisan legislation championed by several senators and @combatlooting.bsky.social
Reposted by Helena Arose
The Art Market Integrity Act will deny illicit actors the opportunity to launder money through the US art market. Huge shoutout to @combatlooting.bsky.social for their work championing this important bill. See their full press release here:
theantiquitiescoalition.org/congress-tak...
theantiquitiescoalition.org/congress-tak...
Congress Takes Aim at Dirty Money in the Multi-Billion-Dollar U.S. Art Market - Antiquities Coalition
Bipartisan Legislation Would Strengthen National Security, Uphold Economic Integrity, and Support Honest Businesses The Antiquities Coalition commends Senators John Fetterman (D-PA), Chuck Grassley (...
theantiquitiescoalition.org
July 23, 2025 at 8:05 PM
The Art Market Integrity Act will deny illicit actors the opportunity to launder money through the US art market. Huge shoutout to @combatlooting.bsky.social for their work championing this important bill. See their full press release here:
theantiquitiescoalition.org/congress-tak...
theantiquitiescoalition.org/congress-tak...
Reposted by Helena Arose
The bipartisan Art Market Integrity Act would require art dealers and auction houses to comply with anti-money-laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing regulations under the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA)
www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-co...
www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-co...
Fetterman, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Crack Down on Money Laundering and Terror Financing in the Art Market - U.S. Senator John Fetterman
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-PA), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), and David McCormick (R-PA), introduced the Art Ma...
www.fetterman.senate.gov
July 23, 2025 at 8:05 PM
The bipartisan Art Market Integrity Act would require art dealers and auction houses to comply with anti-money-laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing regulations under the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA)
www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-co...
www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-co...
Just returned from the International Conference on the Recovery of Cultural Heritage in Kathmandu. So many stories of pain, loss, and the immense effort it takes to reclaim a stolen god—decades of research, advocacy, and diplomacy.
📷 Laxmi Narayan: nepalheritagerecoverycampaign.org/news/laxmi_n...
📷 Laxmi Narayan: nepalheritagerecoverycampaign.org/news/laxmi_n...
June 25, 2025 at 7:47 PM
Just returned from the International Conference on the Recovery of Cultural Heritage in Kathmandu. So many stories of pain, loss, and the immense effort it takes to reclaim a stolen god—decades of research, advocacy, and diplomacy.
📷 Laxmi Narayan: nepalheritagerecoverycampaign.org/news/laxmi_n...
📷 Laxmi Narayan: nepalheritagerecoverycampaign.org/news/laxmi_n...
Register now for the 3rd annual ANSCH Conference, featuring
speakers from Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Palestine, Sudan, Lebanon and Libya discussing the protection of cultural heritage in conflict and post-conflict areas:
us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
speakers from Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Palestine, Sudan, Lebanon and Libya discussing the protection of cultural heritage in conflict and post-conflict areas:
us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
May 27, 2025 at 3:03 PM
Register now for the 3rd annual ANSCH Conference, featuring
speakers from Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Palestine, Sudan, Lebanon and Libya discussing the protection of cultural heritage in conflict and post-conflict areas:
us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
speakers from Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Palestine, Sudan, Lebanon and Libya discussing the protection of cultural heritage in conflict and post-conflict areas:
us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Operation Pandora continues to see results: 80 arrests and more than 37,700 cultural goods seized.
Other Key Numbers:
🔩 69 Metal detectors seized
🌏 23 countries involved in the operation
⚖️ 258 cases reported, with more arrests and seizures expected
www.interpol.int/fr/Actualite...
Other Key Numbers:
🔩 69 Metal detectors seized
🌏 23 countries involved in the operation
⚖️ 258 cases reported, with more arrests and seizures expected
www.interpol.int/fr/Actualite...
80 arrests and more than 37,700 cultural goods seized in major art trafficking bust
Europol, INTERPOL and the World Customs Organization (WCO) supported investigators from 23 countries in the fight against criminals who exploit humanity’s cultural heritage
www.interpol.int
May 22, 2025 at 8:24 PM
Operation Pandora continues to see results: 80 arrests and more than 37,700 cultural goods seized.
Other Key Numbers:
🔩 69 Metal detectors seized
🌏 23 countries involved in the operation
⚖️ 258 cases reported, with more arrests and seizures expected
www.interpol.int/fr/Actualite...
Other Key Numbers:
🔩 69 Metal detectors seized
🌏 23 countries involved in the operation
⚖️ 258 cases reported, with more arrests and seizures expected
www.interpol.int/fr/Actualite...
Reposted by Helena Arose
⛰️The Antiquities Coalition is honored to be joining the #ICAHM 2025 Annual Meeting in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, represented by Executive Director Tess Davis and Director of Programs @helenaarose.bsky.social, who chair the ICAHM Working Group on Illicit Trafficking.
May 12, 2025 at 9:16 PM
⛰️The Antiquities Coalition is honored to be joining the #ICAHM 2025 Annual Meeting in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, represented by Executive Director Tess Davis and Director of Programs @helenaarose.bsky.social, who chair the ICAHM Working Group on Illicit Trafficking.
Reposted by Helena Arose
Wealthy British descendants selling off the precious gems originally buried with the ashes of Buddha in India may not be illegal, but by today’s standards, the ethics of profiteering from colonial era appropriations are highly dubious.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/m...
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/m...
Auction of ancient Indian gems ‘imbued with presence of Buddha’ condemned
Sotheby’s sale of Piprahwa gems, excavated after burial with Buddha’s remains, denounced as perpetuating colonial violence
www.theguardian.com
May 2, 2025 at 11:43 AM
Wealthy British descendants selling off the precious gems originally buried with the ashes of Buddha in India may not be illegal, but by today’s standards, the ethics of profiteering from colonial era appropriations are highly dubious.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/m...
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/m...
Reposted by Helena Arose
We again call on the Met to tailor its provenance policies to reflect its commitments, proactively addressing #ContestedAntiquities and setting a gold standard for museum transparency and accountability worldwide.
🎟️The 2025 #LooksVsLoot Red Carpet: theantiquitiescoalition.org/22042-2/
🎟️The 2025 #LooksVsLoot Red Carpet: theantiquitiescoalition.org/22042-2/
May 5, 2025 at 10:04 PM
We again call on the Met to tailor its provenance policies to reflect its commitments, proactively addressing #ContestedAntiquities and setting a gold standard for museum transparency and accountability worldwide.
🎟️The 2025 #LooksVsLoot Red Carpet: theantiquitiescoalition.org/22042-2/
🎟️The 2025 #LooksVsLoot Red Carpet: theantiquitiescoalition.org/22042-2/
Reposted by Helena Arose
🧵At the 2025 Gala, celebrities and stylists are showcasing garments “Tailored for You”, bringing to mind the monumental impact of small, meticulous changes.
May 5, 2025 at 10:04 PM
🧵At the 2025 Gala, celebrities and stylists are showcasing garments “Tailored for You”, bringing to mind the monumental impact of small, meticulous changes.
Reposted by Helena Arose
As guests walked the red carpet, the Antiquities Coalition presents our third annual #LooksVsLoot, spotlighting the museum’s ongoing reckoning with #CulturalRacketeering.
This year’s looks celebrate five masterpieces from the Met’s collection—now returned.
This year’s looks celebrate five masterpieces from the Met’s collection—now returned.
May 5, 2025 at 10:04 PM
As guests walked the red carpet, the Antiquities Coalition presents our third annual #LooksVsLoot, spotlighting the museum’s ongoing reckoning with #CulturalRacketeering.
This year’s looks celebrate five masterpieces from the Met’s collection—now returned.
This year’s looks celebrate five masterpieces from the Met’s collection—now returned.
Reposted by Helena Arose
An oil lamp leads customs to a 20 million treasure trove of trafficked antiquities
Archaeological objects have been imported massively and illegally for years by the network. Taxes amount to more than 2 million.
www.24heures.ch/trafic-une-l...
Archaeological objects have been imported massively and illegally for years by the network. Taxes amount to more than 2 million.
www.24heures.ch/trafic-une-l...
Comment une lampe à huile a conduit la douane à un trésor de 20 millions
Des objets archéologiques ont été importés massivement et illégalement pendant des années par un réseau. Les taxes se montent à plus de 2 millions.
www.24heures.ch
April 9, 2025 at 10:43 AM
An oil lamp leads customs to a 20 million treasure trove of trafficked antiquities
Archaeological objects have been imported massively and illegally for years by the network. Taxes amount to more than 2 million.
www.24heures.ch/trafic-une-l...
Archaeological objects have been imported massively and illegally for years by the network. Taxes amount to more than 2 million.
www.24heures.ch/trafic-une-l...
Reposted by Helena Arose
This 9th century stone head of Vishnu, is up for auction on 10 April at Galerie Zacke in Vienna. It has all the hallmarks of a looted artwork. Sold by Douglas Latchford’s go-to resellers in London, Spink & Son in 1985 to a US collector. #Cambodia
March 31, 2025 at 5:01 PM
This 9th century stone head of Vishnu, is up for auction on 10 April at Galerie Zacke in Vienna. It has all the hallmarks of a looted artwork. Sold by Douglas Latchford’s go-to resellers in London, Spink & Son in 1985 to a US collector. #Cambodia
Reposted by Helena Arose
Serop Simonian of the alleged Dib-Simonian trafficking network is on the lam after French authorities released him amid a sprawling investigation of his role in trafficking looted Egyptian antiquities to institutions including the Met and Louvre Abu Dhabi.
www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/03/27/s...
www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/03/27/s...
Alleged head of Egyptian antiquities trafficking ring leaves France amid ‘breakdown’ in criminal investigation
Serop Simonian was allowed to leave Paris and return to his hometown of Hamburg following a French magistrate’s decision that was subsequently overturned on appeal
www.theartnewspaper.com
March 28, 2025 at 7:35 PM
Serop Simonian of the alleged Dib-Simonian trafficking network is on the lam after French authorities released him amid a sprawling investigation of his role in trafficking looted Egyptian antiquities to institutions including the Met and Louvre Abu Dhabi.
www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/03/27/s...
www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/03/27/s...
So pleased to share this article coauthored for @combatlooting.bsky.social by me and Sudanese Heritage Professional Ali Nour on why now presents a unique opportunity to take action to protect Sudan's culture.
www.linkedin.com/pulse/anothe...
www.linkedin.com/pulse/anothe...
Another Chance for Sudan’s Cultural Heritage—Rethinking the Framework for Protection
Guest post by Ali Nour and Helena Arose “Khartoum is free, it’s done,” On March 26, 2025, Sudan’s army announced the recapture of Khartoum, a key stronghold of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (R...
www.linkedin.com
March 28, 2025 at 7:24 PM
So pleased to share this article coauthored for @combatlooting.bsky.social by me and Sudanese Heritage Professional Ali Nour on why now presents a unique opportunity to take action to protect Sudan's culture.
www.linkedin.com/pulse/anothe...
www.linkedin.com/pulse/anothe...
Reposted by Helena Arose
Casual suggestion in 1927 letter from John Marshall (Met's antiquities buyer) to an American collector that she consider arranging for Italian owner of an ancient Greek sculpture to chop off its head to make it easier to export...
March 21, 2025 at 6:43 PM
Casual suggestion in 1927 letter from John Marshall (Met's antiquities buyer) to an American collector that she consider arranging for Italian owner of an ancient Greek sculpture to chop off its head to make it easier to export...
Reposted by Helena Arose
More honest advice on buying antiquities would be something along these lines:
Assume everyone is lying to you
Assume all documents are falsified
Assume every object is forged or looted
Now: let the seller convince you otherwise with concrete proof to the contrary.
If they can't, pass.
Assume everyone is lying to you
Assume all documents are falsified
Assume every object is forged or looted
Now: let the seller convince you otherwise with concrete proof to the contrary.
If they can't, pass.
March 7, 2025 at 8:30 PM
More honest advice on buying antiquities would be something along these lines:
Assume everyone is lying to you
Assume all documents are falsified
Assume every object is forged or looted
Now: let the seller convince you otherwise with concrete proof to the contrary.
If they can't, pass.
Assume everyone is lying to you
Assume all documents are falsified
Assume every object is forged or looted
Now: let the seller convince you otherwise with concrete proof to the contrary.
If they can't, pass.
Reposted by Helena Arose
Proactive provenance research would mean looking at all acquisitions from a red-flag source proven to deal in stolen goods like Brummer. Is the Met going to poke into all the masterpieces it got from him? (Here's a selection.) Or just the ones where proof of wrongdoing is inescapable?
February 24, 2025 at 2:10 PM
Proactive provenance research would mean looking at all acquisitions from a red-flag source proven to deal in stolen goods like Brummer. Is the Met going to poke into all the masterpieces it got from him? (Here's a selection.) Or just the ones where proof of wrongdoing is inescapable?
Reposted by Helena Arose
I'm much more interested in thefts from the 2020s than from the 1920s, but - the presence of looted, stolen, and/or smuggled artifacts in antiquities collections formed in the 20th century is the rule, not the exception museum press releases would have you believe.
www.nytimes.com/2025/02/24/a...
www.nytimes.com/2025/02/24/a...
Met Museum Returning Ancient Bronze Thought Stolen from Greek Museum (Gift Article)
The head of a griffin from 7th century B.C. is believed to have been taken from a museum in Olympia in the 1930s and later sold on the art market.
www.nytimes.com
February 24, 2025 at 2:08 PM
I'm much more interested in thefts from the 2020s than from the 1920s, but - the presence of looted, stolen, and/or smuggled artifacts in antiquities collections formed in the 20th century is the rule, not the exception museum press releases would have you believe.
www.nytimes.com/2025/02/24/a...
www.nytimes.com/2025/02/24/a...