The Met says “Fashion is Art,” but is protecting art still in fashion?

On the first Monday in May, the steps of The Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met) serve as a pedestal for celebrities and cultural tastemakers, draped in the latest creations from the leading names in fashion. This year’s dress-code, “Fashion is Art,” fittingly celebrates the museum’s role as a steward of some of the world’s most significant artistic and cultural treasures. 

And yet, behind many of the masterpieces inspiring tonight’s looks are histories of colonial plunder, armed conflict, and organized crime.

The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists has identified more than 1,000 objects in the Met’s catalog tied to alleged traffickers and looters, few of which the museum has publicly addressed. Art is in fashion. Is accountability?

Against this backdrop, the Antiquities Coalition launches its fourth annual Looks vs. Loot campaign, in which we pair red-carpet looks with repatriated antiquities from the Met. Over the past year, the museum has continued to return contested objects, publicly announcing restitutions to countries including Greece, Italy, Spain, and Türkiye. 

In several of these cases, the Met has paired restitution with partnership. In September 2025, for example, the museum announced the return of a Sumerian Vessel Stand with Ibex, dating to circa 2600–2350 BCE, following in-house provenance research that determined it belonged to the Republic of Iraq. Alongside a repatriation ceremony, the Met and Iraq embarked on a collaborative research project, presenting restitution as an opportunity for shared international scholarship. 

However, the Met faces ongoing scrutiny over objects in its collection associated with alleged traffickers or with unclear provenance. The 2025 reopening of the Michael C. Rockefeller Wing, housing the Met’s collections from Africa, the ancient Americas, and Oceania, has prompted wider public discourse over the museum’s collections and curation, with some critics viewing the discussions of provenance research as deflective or performative.

The glamour of the Met Gala risks overshadowing the red flags the museum still hasn’t addressed. Transparency remains an ongoing challenge: public information on restituted objects is minimal and proves difficult to locate on the museum’s website. By disclosing restitution information and publishing regular data, the museum could better show that its commitment to addressing its collection is being matched by meaningful and proactive action.

Step aside, stars. It’s time to put institutional accountability center-stage.

On April 1, the Antiquities Coalition and the American Society of International Law (ASIL) hosted a webinar that convened experts from the Federal Republic of Somalia, Sudan, Mozambique, and Uganda to discuss current efforts to combat cultural racketeering in the region. 

The dialogue built on the first installment of the webinar series focusing on the fight against illicit antiquities trafficking in East Africa, with Transparency Advocacy, a Uganda-based organization combating organized crime and corruption. The panelists demonstrated the overall necessity for greater legal capacity-building across the region, highlighting country-specific challenges and stressing that while international and regional frameworks can be valuable, they do not always translate into effective national implementation or fully accommodate local community needs. 

Panelists included: H.E. Abdirahman Abshir, Director of the Legal and Treaties Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MFAIC); Ali Nour, Cultural Heritage Emergency Response & Grants Management Specialist; Filipe Alage, Consultant for Cultural Heritage Protection; and Frederik Nsibambi, Deputy Executive Director at the Cross-Cultural Foundation of Uganda (CCFU). Together, they introduced East Africa’s national and regional legal frameworks regarding cultural property protection while emphasizing the importance of collective action against the illicit trade in East African archaeological and ethnographic materials.

On behalf of Somalia, H.E. Abdirahman Abshir spoke about the importance of expanding and improving inventory projects, establishing clear ownership frameworks, and strengthening international cooperation in heritage protection.

Despite the remarkable protection efforts of heritage professionals in Sudan, Ali Nour raised concerns about Sudan’s fragmented legal landscape and operational failures. Nour emphasized the urgency of ratifying international cultural property treaties, noting that waiting until conflict arises to ratify is ineffective and harmful.

Mozambique’s Filipe Alage expanded on H.E. Abdirahman Abshir’s commentary on the challenges of limited inventories and spoke on recent updates to Mozambique’s national law, which have given customs and heritage officials the authority to inspect and seize objects lacking proper provenance documentation. 

Deputy Executive Director of Cross-Cultural Foundation of Uganda, Frederik Nsibambi conveyed the importance of locally-tailored policy, given Uganda’s highly diverse cultural landscape. Nsibambi emphasized research and documentation as the strongest forms of emergency preparedness.

Steps Forward

• Expanding national cultural property inventories and databases. 
• Ratifying international conventions to close operational gaps: Many countries in the region have not yet ratified the 1954 Hague Convention (Second Protocol, 1999), the 1970 Convention, and the 1995 UNIDROIT Convention. In Uganda, efforts to implement the 1970 UNESCO Convention are underway.
• Strengthening international cooperation amongst governments and law enforcement to advance the fight against illicit cultural property trafficking. 

The Antiquities Coalition commends the active leadership of the panelists and thanks the American Society of International Law for co-sponsoring this webinar on raising awareness. 

A recording of the webinar is available online, here. 

Want to learn more? Read Cultural Racketeering in East Africa: Local Leaders Call for Global Solidarity and Action.

Heritage professionals, legal experts, and policymakers united to confront one of the most urgent threats to our shared past: the illicit trafficking of cultural property. In March 2026, UNESCO launched a new massive open online course (MOOC), “Preventing Illicit Trafficking of Cultural Property.”

Together leading experts from law enforcement, heritage protection, and international policy addressed the growing recognition that antiquities trafficking is not merely a cultural issue—it is a serious transnational crime. Cultural racketeers target the world’s richest archaeological sites, museums, and historic collections for financial gain, cooperating across borders and taking advantage of weak enforcement environments, created by conflict or political instability. 

To combat the illicit trade in art and antiquities, UNESCO’s new course explores key elements for law enforcement, the judiciary, and heritage professionals:

• International legal frameworks addressing crimes involving cultural property
• Criminal behavior targeting archaeological sites and museums, particularly in conflict or post-conflict settings where security is fragile
• Practical tools and strategies to safeguard cultural heritage and prevent illicit trafficking

AC Executive Director Tess Davis was honored to contribute to the course, providing expert insights into how criminals exploit cultural heritage for financial gain.

Over the past two decades, awareness of the dangers posed by cultural racketeering has grown significantly. What was once often viewed as a niche issue within the heritage sector is now widely recognized as a matter of international security and economic integrity.

Governments, international organizations, museums, and civil society groups have responded with new initiatives, stronger laws, and expanded partnerships. These efforts include improved border enforcement, enhanced due diligence standards in the art market, and greater coordination among law enforcement agencies.

Yet the fight against illicit trafficking remains an ongoing challenge. Criminal networks continue to adapt, and many heritage-rich regions still lack the tools needed to effectively monitor sites, investigate crimes, and prosecute traffickers.

Capacity-building initiatives such as this are essential for strengthening expertise across institutions and borders, effectively transforming awareness into action. The Antiquities Coalition commends UNESCO for developing this important program and advancing international cooperation to protect cultural heritage. 

Learn more about the course and enroll through UNESCO’s Open Learning Platform:
https://openlearning.unesco.org/courses/course-v1:UNESCO+CLT_001+2025_T1_ENG/about

When antiquities are looted, we lose far more than objects. We lose context, knowledge, and the stories that connect communities to their past. Today, the consequences of illicit antiquities trafficking are particularly visible across Asia, where a growing crisis threatens archaeological sites and cultural heritage.

To address these challenges, the Antiquities Coalition and the Meridian International Center convened a high-level diplomatic dialogue in Washington, DC, bringing together senior representatives from across Asia. 

Diplomats representing nations from ASEAN+3 joined the discussion to exchange perspectives on emerging threats, practical tools for enforcement and prevention, and opportunities to strengthen cooperation among governments, law enforcement, museums, and responsible actors in the art market.

Regional cooperation is essential to confronting the illicit antiquities trade. Stolen objects often pass through multiple countries before appearing years—or even decades—later in galleries, auction houses, or private collections around the world. The global nature of the market means no country can address this challenge alone.

“There are reasons for optimism,” said Deborah Lehr, Chairman and Founder of the Antiquities Coalition. “There is growing political awareness, and increasingly informed consumers who understand that many of these objects were removed illegally. Governments are strengthening laws and cooperation, and we are seeing important examples of successful returns.”

Across Asia, governments are advancing solutions to promote responsible market practices and strengthen cultural heritage protection. These efforts include multilateral commitments such as the 2022 G20 Statement on Cultural Heritage under the Indonesian Presidency, and bilateral efforts such as U.S. Cultural Property Agreements with partner nations. These frameworks are already producing results, with countries such as Cambodia and China celebrating major returns of stolen cultural heritage.

The Antiquities Coalition looks forward to continuing dialogue with partners across Asia and beyond to strengthen global security and protect our shared heritage.

 

Since February 28, 2026, the United States and Israel have carried out strikes on Iran, prompting Iranian missile and drone attacks across the region, including against Israel and areas hosting U.S. forces. As the conflict escalates, cultural heritage and other civilian sites across the Middle East face heightened risk.

In response, a statement from the U.S. Committee of the Blue Shield (USCBS) calls on all parties to uphold their obligations under international law, including the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict and its Protocols.

As the USCBS states, 

The destruction of cultural heritage is irreversible. It erases identity, history, and the shared memory of civilizations. No military or political objective justifies the willful or negligent destruction of humanity’s common inheritance. Such destruction is also one of the actions that can make returning to a state of peace more difficult.

The 1954 Hague Convention and its protocols establish clear legal duties to:

• Refrain from directing attacks against cultural property
• Avoid using cultural sites for military purposes
• Protect and respect cultural heritage in both the planning and execution of military operations
• Preserve access to and documentation of threatened sites

The United States, Israel, and Iran are all States Parties to the treaty. 

In the words of the USCBS statement,

We urge the United States Government, the Israeli Defense Forces, and all parties involved to take immediate and concrete steps to identify, map, and protect cultural sites throughout the region, especially in Iran, in full compliance with international humanitarian law.   

Read the full statement here.

Colonel Matthew Bogdanos Awarded 2026 Marica Vilcek Prize in Art History

The Antiquities Coalition congratulates U.S. Colonel Matthew Bogdanos on receiving the 2026 Marica Vilcek Prize in Art History, an honor recognizing art historians, curators, and fine arts professionals whose work has had a profound impact on their institutions, in their scholarship, and on arts and culture more broadly.

Colonel Bogdanos is a leading voice among the global coalition of heritage professionals and law enforcement working to combat the illicit antiquities trade. As head of the Manhattan District Attorney’s Antiquities Trafficking Unit (ATU), he has transformed the fight against the illicit trade in art and antiquities. Under his leadership, the ATU has recovered more than 6,100 looted or stolen antiquities valued at over $480 million, facilitating the return of thousands of objects to their countries of origin.

The Marica Vilcek Prize recognizes not only scholarly achievement but also meaningful, lasting contributions to the arts and culture. Colonel Bogdanos’ work exemplifies this mission. Through tireless investigation, international cooperation, and unwavering commitment to justice, he has strengthened protections for cultural heritage and safeguarded the integrity of the global art market.

We applaud the continued leadership of Colonel Bogdanos, the Antiquities Trafficking Unit, and the broader coalition of professionals across the United States dedicated to protecting our shared heritage. 

Learn more here.

New Statement Builds on Five Years of Work Between Both Countries to Counter the Illicit Trade

The Antiquities Coalition welcomes the announcement of renewed cultural heritage cooperation between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States, reflecting an ongoing shared commitment to combat the illicit trade in cultural property and protect consumers in both countries.

In Manama on January 27, a new statement on cooperation in cultural heritage was signed by His Excellency Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) and Allison Hooker, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs.

This updated statement builds upon the principles outlined in the landmark 2021 Manama Statement of Cooperation, which emphasized the importance of protecting and preserving cultural heritage through international partnership.

Together, Bahrain—a growing leader in the region on cultural heritage preservation—and the United States—the world’s largest art and antiquities market—are uniquely positioned to make meaningful progress in disrupting cultural racketeering networks and promoting responsible market practices.

The new statement reflects a strengthened bilateral focus on:

• Enhancing the exchange of information to prevent illicit trafficking of cultural property
• Sharing best practices and raising awareness of legal protections for heritage
• Supporting networks dedicated to combating the illicit trade in art and antiquities
• Promoting responsible art market standards and advancing cultural exchange

The governments of Bahrain and the United States are to be commended for their continued leadership and dedication to safeguarding our shared cultural heritage. Building on the momentum of the 2021 Manama Statement, this new statement signals that when nations work together, meaningful change remains possible.

The Founder and Chairman of the Antiquities Coalition, Deborah Lehr, was delighted to join an evening hosted by the Italian Ambassador to the United States at the beautiful Villa Firenze to mark a major milestone: 25 years of the U.S.–Italy Cultural Property Agreement.

The event brought together senior leaders from government, law enforcement, museums, and the legal community to celebrate one of the most successful and enduring models for protecting cultural heritage and combating the illicit trade in antiquities.

Signed in 2001 and renewed four times—most recently on December 5, 2025—the U.S.–Italy Cultural Property Agreement is now the longest-standing Cultural Property Agreement in continental Europe. Its longevity is no accident. It reflects both its effectiveness and the deep, sustained partnership between the United States and Italy in confronting looting, trafficking, and organized crime.

For a quarter century, the agreement has demonstrated that Cultural Property Agreements work. They secure U.S. borders against stolen and looted antiquities, reduce demand for trafficked cultural objects, and support lawful cultural exchange. Just as importantly, they serve as powerful diplomatic tools—strengthening bilateral relationships while safeguarding humanity’s shared heritage.

The evening featured remarks and participation from an impressive group of leaders, including H.E. Marco Peronaci, Ambassador of Italy to the United States; Darren Beattie, Senior Bureau Official at the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs; Brigadier General Antonio Petti, Commander of Italy’s Carabinieri Unit for the Protection of Cultural Heritage; Charles Wall, Deputy Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement; and Scott R. Schelble, Deputy Assistant Director for International Operations at the FBI.

Deborah Lehr joined a panel discussion alongside Chase F. Robinson, Director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art, and Channah Norman, Co-Chair of Art Law at Shook, Hardy & Bacon LLP, to explore how governments, museums, and the private sector can work together to address the illicit trade in antiquities. The conversation highlighted the tangible, real-world impact of the agreement—and the importance of continued collaboration.

A Model for Combating Looting

The Cultural Property Agreement complements Italy’s robust domestic efforts to combat antiquities trafficking, particularly through the Carabinieri’s Art Crime Squad—the world’s first national force dedicated to protecting cultural heritage. The results speak for themselves. In 2013 alone, Italy reported a 29 percent decrease in looting compared to the previous year, alongside a 6 percent increase in individuals reported for cultural heritage crimes.

Strengthening Cultural Diplomacy and Exchange

Beyond enforcement, the agreement has been a cornerstone of cultural diplomacy. In 2013, the White House cited the U.S.–Italy Cultural Property Agreement as a keystone of bilateral educational exchange. Italy continues to welcome American researchers and students and has generously loaned collections to U.S. museums, reinforcing the principle that protecting heritage and sharing culture go hand in hand.

Returning Cultural Heritage Home

The agreement has also played a critical role in facilitating the return of stolen heritage. In May 2024, the United States returned roughly 600 looted and stolen artifacts to Italy, valued at an estimated $65–80 million. Italy’s Ministry of Culture marked the occasion with a public presentation and temporary exhibition—raising awareness about the devastating impact of looting and trafficking.

As the Antiquities Coalition looks ahead, the message from the evening was clear: Cultural Property Agreements help to protect borders, enable exchange, and strengthen diplomacy. They protect the US consumer. They are practical, proven tools—and they work.

The Antiquities Coalition remains committed to advancing these agreements and to building the partnerships needed to safeguard the past and secure the future.

Guest contribution from Ian Tennant from the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime (GI-TOC)

As demonstrated by dedicated events in recent fora, such as the 11th Conference of States Parties to the UNCAC in Doha, there is a growing momentum to address the illicit trade in art and antiquities—but as our work at the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime (GI-TOC) shows, this criminal market remains widely misunderstood.

From the available research and analysis, it is clear that antiquities trafficking is uniquely vulnerable to abuse and criminality because both legal and illegal objects often move through the same channels in a “grey market,” where anonymity, secrecy, and opaque ownership histories are the norm. For authorities and genuine enthusiasts and dealers to differentiate between legal, illegal, fake, and genuine artefacts is extremely challenging, particularly in an international art market that has not historically encouraged external scrutiny or transparency.

These conditions create fertile ground for corruption. Across regions affected by insecurity or conflict, looting increases as economic hardship grows and state authority weakens. From the circulation of artefacts looted by the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria through transnational criminal networks, to large-scale trafficking in parts of Europe, antiquities crime consistently intersects with corruption and broader organized crime ecosystems.

High value, secrecy, and weak oversight make cultural objects attractive for laundering profits and financing criminal activity. GI-TOC research has documented the scale of antiquities trafficking in North Macedonia, where an estimated 100,000 cultural objects are believed to have been illicitly removed from the country. These losses point to how organized criminal networks exploit weak oversight, corruption, and established smuggling routes to move cultural objects into international markets—often alongside other illicit goods. 

Encouragingly, this issue is gaining greater international attention. Recent discussions surrounding both UNCAC and the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (the UNTOC) reflect growing recognition that trafficking in cultural property is not only a threat to heritage, but also to security, governance, and prosperity.

Public awareness and genuine international cooperation are essential to disrupt a trade that causes irreversible harm and thrives on corruption. Combating this crime requires a holistic, multi-sectoral response—one that strengthens local resilience while addressing the transnational drivers, enablers, and markets that sustain demand. 

Context: Advancing Action on Cultural Racketeering through UNCAC

On the margins of the world’s leading anti-corruption forum, governments and experts are increasingly working together to confront cultural racketeering as a corruption-enabled crime.

During the 11th Conference of the States Parties to the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), convened in Doha, representatives from the Antiquities Coalition, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the UK Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Italian Republic, and the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime convened a panel to examine how UNCAC’s existing tools can be more consistently and effectively applied to crimes involving looted and trafficked cultural heritage.

These discussions reflect a growing international consensus: protecting cultural heritage requires coordinated anti-corruption action—and UNCAC offers a critical framework to do so, alongside the broad range of international cooperation tools at our disposal. To help drive action, more granular analysis and policy engagement is needed.