Iraq’s intelligence agency seizes ancient artefacts

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s intelligence agency announced Wednesday the seizure of several ancient artefacts and the arrest of three suspects in Babil Governorate.

In a statement, the agency reported that its units, specializing in combating organized crime in Babil, received information about a vehicle carrying three individuals in possession of various ancient artefacts from different historical periods. The suspects were reportedly attempting to sell the items within the governorate.

“Immediately, intelligence teams were formed, and field surveillance was conducted,” the agency stated. “Upon verifying the information, the vehicle was intercepted, and the three suspects were apprehended. The artefacts in their possession were seized after obtaining the necessary judicial approvals.”

The suspects, along with the confiscated artefacts, have been handed over to the relevant investigative authorities.

Iraq, renowned for its rich archaeological heritage, has faced significant challenges in protecting its artefacts. During the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003 and the subsequent years, the Iraqi National Museum and various archaeological sites across the country were looted, leading to the theft of thousands of artefacts representing different eras of Mesopotamian history.

The situation worsened between 2014 and 2017 when the Islamic State seized large areas of Iraq, looting and destroying numerous archaeological sites. An estimated 80% of Iraqi artefacts found their way to the black market.

According to UNESCO and heritage organizations, over 15,000 archaeological sites in Iraq have been looted. However, Iraq, in cooperation with the international community, has managed to recover more than 17,000 smuggled artefacts from various countries over the past two decades. These numbers, however, are still minimal compared to the total number of stolen pieces.

Previously, Luma Al-Duri, director general of the Museums Department, stated that “14,000 artefacts have been recovered from the United States, and 6,000 pieces were retrieved from Britain in 2023. We have also reclaimed many artefacts from neighboring countries.”

Mawra Abdul Lailo, Head of the Recovery Department at the State Board of Antiquities and Heritage, told local media in April that around 24,000 artefacts had been recovered between 2021 and 2024. Most of these pieces were stolen and smuggled from archaeological sites across Iraq through random excavations.

Iraq’s Antiquities Law No. 55 of 2002 includes severe penalties for those involved in smuggling or holding antiquities. “Article 38 of the law stipulates a 10-year prison sentence and a fine double the estimated value of the artefacts for anyone who fails to hand them over to the state within 30 days,” the statement read. “Article 40 prescribes a prison sentence of not less than 5 years and not more than 15 years for anyone who steals or illegally obtains antiquities.”