Antiquities trafficking

Art Trafficking

Antiquities trafficking is one of the most profitable illegal trades in the world. Estimated to be worth several billion dollars a year, it comes in after illegal arms and drug trades.

These precious cultural objects have been the "spoils of war" - plundered and sold on. The pillaged nations have demanded their return, but for a long time these demands were largely ignored. 

When the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) group deliberately destroyed cultural heritage sites in Syria and Iraq, it sparked an international outcry and interest in the issue grew.