The New York Times directed us to this fascinating story out of Chicago where three generations of a family were affected by the trafficking in historic items including documents from popes and artifacts from European kings:
In all, federal officials found an astounding treasure-trove of about 3,500 ancient artifacts, religious relics, rare manuscripts and other historic items after Sisto’s death in March 2007. Federal officials said Monday that the results of a two-year investigation determined that 1,600 of those items were stolen from Italy and shipped to the U.S. to be sold. The items, with an estimated value of $5 million and $10 million, will be returned to Italy later this week, according to FBI spokesman Ross Rice.
The ownership of the remaining 2,000 items could not be verified, so they were being returned to the Sisto family. Although the items were removed from Italy in violation of its cultural property laws, Rice said there would be no U.S. criminal prosecutions in connection with theft, transportation or possession of stolen artifacts.
Italian Treasures in Berwyn Home Worth Millions (Chicagobreakingnews.com)
