Italian authorities have announced that they have successfully recovered over 3,500 valuable artifacts as a result of a lengthy operation conducted by a large number of police officers. CNN reports that the operation led to the apprehension of 21 individuals. They made the announcement during a press conference held in Puglia earlier this week.
The Carabinieri, the police department responsible for safeguarding cultural heritage, collaborated with the special operations group ROS and the “Cacciatori Puglia” airborne squadron. Their joint efforts focused on carrying out numerous searches. These searches specifically targeted individuals suspected of engaging in looting, unauthorized excavations, and the illegal trade of stolen archaeological artifacts. These artifacts possess immense historical, cultural, and commercial significance, making their recovery of utmost importance.
According to the Italian daily newspaper La Gazzetta del Mezzogiorno, the operation was codenamed “Canusium.” This name referred to the ancient name of the municipality where the trafficking group operated from. The investigative efforts and precautionary measures extended across multiple regions. These regions include Puglia, Basilicata, Campania, Lazio, and Abruzzo. The operation spanned nearly a year.
Findings and Investigations in Operation Canusium
While Operation Canusium has resulted in the arrest of 21 suspects thus far, investigators have identified a total of 51 individuals involved. These individuals include grave robbers, international traffickers, and intermediaries known as “fences.” The fences played a role in facilitating the illicit sale of archaeological items. These items range from vases, jewelry, and oil lamps to gold coins. The illegal trade occurred within both domestic and international markets.
The recovered artifacts, totaling 3,586 items, comprise a wide range of objects. These include loom weights, bell-shaped kraters, jugs, cups, plates, miniature vases, oil lamps, and coins. These artifacts date as far back as the 4th century BCE.
Prosecutor Francesco Tosto described the discovered items as rare and valuable, estimating the coins to be worth around €50,000–€60,000.
Additionally, Italian police uncovered 60 metal detectors and various tools consistent with clandestine excavations, including long metal spikes and shovels, according to CNN.