Reuters AlertNet Lite - US returns stolen pre-Columbian artifacts to Peru

Reuters AlertNet Full site

NEWSDESK

US returns stolen pre-Columbian artifacts to Peru

13 Jun 2007 22:11:21 GMT
Source: Reuters

MIAMI, June 13 (Reuters) - The United States returned ancient pottery, gold jewelry, burial shrouds and hundreds of other stolen pre-Columbian artifacts to Peru on Wednesday after they were seized in a Florida smuggling investigation.

Among the 412 historic treasures were a clay vessel believed to be 3,500 years old and a statue thought to be 1,800 years old, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said.

The seizure, made during an investigation in south Florida two years ago, is believed to be one of the largest of pre-Columbian artifacts smuggled into the United States from Peru.

"These artifacts are not souvenirs," Julie Myers, an assistant secretary for Homeland Security, said in a written statement. "The items being returned today are a thread of a nation rich in cultural heritage."

A 66-year-old Italian national, Ugo Bagnato, was arrested and charged in connection with the seizure, U.S. officials said. He pleaded guilty to the sale and receipt of stolen goods and served 17 months in a federal prison.

AlertNet news is provided by

Email this article Send comments

Countries

Small country map
© 2004 Europa Technologies Ltd.

Reset map

• Peru profile
· View map

MORE >>

NGO latest

• InterAction Statement on President's Renewed AIDS Plan
InterAction - USA

• American Red Cross Promotes Prevention and Control of Tuberculosis Along U.S. - Mexican Border
American Red Cross - USA

• Leader of AJWS Grantee Wins Prestigious Human Rights Award
AJWS - USA

• Catholic Relief Services commends President's call to double PEPFAR funding
CRS - USA

• World Vision U.S. Welcomes President's Global AIDS Funding Proposal
WV - USA

MORE >>

Latest news

• US returns stolen pre-Columbian artifacts to Peru

• U.S. tries to temper expectations on Iraq progress

• Africa's AIDS epidemic slowing - World Bank

• Religious extremists in 3 faiths share views-report

• U.S. tries to temper expectations on Iraq progress

MORE >>

Last updated:Wed Jun 13 22:12:26 2007