Spanish Police Seize Ancient Jewelry Worth $64M Taken From Ukraine
The Facts
Spanish police have recovered 11 pieces of ancient gold jewelry that were taken out of Ukraine illegally in 2016. Five people were caught when they attempted to sell the artifacts in Spain — including two Ukrainians, one of whom is an Orthodox Church priest — and three Spaniards.
The stolen jewelry dates from the 8th and 4th centuries BC. The items disappeared after being briefly exhibited at a museum in Kyiv between 2009 and 2013 and are a part of Ukraine's national heritage, according to the Madrid National Police.
The Spin
Narrative A
Since the conflict in eastern Ukraine began in 2014, international and Ukrainian authorities have been concerned about the protection of historical objects kept in museums and religious institutions controlled by Russia. Numerous items have been taken and illegally smuggled out of the country and this is the second seizure of stolen archeological artifacts recovered in a week. This is a concerning trend.
Narrative B
There are systems to combat the trafficking of cultural goods, which is the third-largest form of illicit trade in the world. The International Council of Museums has now added Ukraine to its Red List of the world's looting hotspots in an effort to tackle this issue. The recovery of the artifacts in Spain was the result of a joint effort between Europol and Interpol — the uptick of this activity in light of the Ukraine-Russia war can be addressed.