8,659 artifacts seized in France to be returned to Türkiye

Some 8,659 artifacts belonging to Türkiye are being repatriated after being seized in France

Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy announced on his social media account that 8,659 artifacts seized in France will be repatriated to Türkiye.

The investigation that started in 2019 after the Anti-Smuggling Department identified a large number of coins of Anatolian origin for sale in an auction company in Austria, ended in France. 

In his post, Minister Ersoy said, “The World Customs Organization has strengthened the flow of information by ensuring coordination between countries. As a result of all these efforts, the French Customs and Intelligence Unit seized 8,659 artifacts, including coins and inscriptions. We are taking back 8,659 artifacts captured in France.”

Ersoy highlighted the commendable efforts of French law enforcement in tackling the illegal trade of Turkish artifacts. He emphasized the success of the Turkish operations, codenamed “Anatolia” and “Heritage,” which dismantled a significant smuggling network operating within the country. These operations garnered worldwide recognition for their effectiveness in protecting Türkiye’s cultural heritage.

Source: Newsroom