Staff Reports
According to Bragg's office, a criminal investigation is under way regarding a smuggling network that brought looted Turkish antiquities into Manhattan. This means that the recent seizures in the city are part of a larger effort to shut down the illegal art market.
According to the museum in Massachusetts, they had no idea that the bust was stolen until the warrant was issued. They claim that they did their own research before the bust was imported, but now, based on the new evidence, it seems that it was improperly acquired. It’s understandable that museums would become more vigilant when the law enforcers arrive.
Since 2012, Turkey has been accusing the US of taking cultural artifacts from their country. Their claims have raised questions since they did not have sufficient evidence to support them back then. Is this the reason for the allegations?
Under the leadership of Bragg, the Antiquities Trafficking Unit has been working incredibly hard, recovering and returning thousands of stolen pieces of art to various nations. While this is a commendable accomplishment, one wonders if Bragg is more concerned with international art detective work than with the district attorney's duties.
Although it's important to preserve cultural heritage, it's also important to remember that an elected official has the primary responsibility of overseeing the actions of the office. It's time for Bragg to step aside and let the professionals handle the recovery of stolen art.
