Matthew Bogdanos: The Prosecutor Waging War on Antiquities Trafficking
The Manhattan prosecutor has built a division that has recovered thousands of looted artifacts, reshaping the global trade in ancient objects.
Manhattan prosecutor Matthew Bogdanos has spent more than two decades combating the illicit trade of ancient art and artifacts, achieving significant successes through the Antiquities Trafficking Unit (ATU), which he established in 2017. The ATU, a division of the Manhattan district attorney’s office, has significantly disrupted the global market for looted antiquities.
Bogdanos recently reported that the ATU has recovered approximately 6,350 artifacts valued at nearly $500 million. Of these, nearly 6,000 have been returned to 38 countries. The unit's investigations have extended to renowned museums, shadowy crime syndicates, and private collectors.
The ATU has reclaimed more than 120 items worth over $95 million from the Metropolitan Museum of Art alone. This aggressive pursuit of looted artifacts has prompted institutions and auction houses to increase their investments in provenance research. Consequently, some sellers of antiquities have begun to avoid New York. Bogdanos's efforts have prompted scrutiny into the origins of cultural objects, leading to increased awareness and diligence in the art world.