The United States has returned more than 1,400 looted artifacts, valued at nearly $10 million, to India, according to a statement from the Manhattan District Attorney’s office. Among the repatriated items is a sandstone sculpture of a Celestial Dancer, which was stolen in the early 1980s from a temple in Madhya Pradesh. The sculpture was illegally divided into two parts to facilitate smuggling, later reassembled by professionals, and eventually donated to the Metropolitan Museum of Art by one of notorious art dealer Subhash Kapoor’s clients. It remained on display at the Met until it was seized in 2023 by the Art Theft Unit (ATU).
“This repatriation is a significant milestone in a long-running, international investigation into antiquities trafficking linked to one of the most prolific offenders in history,” said William S. Walker, special agent in charge of HSI New York. He highlighted the tireless efforts of the authorities, including HSI New York, the Manhattan District Attorney’s office, and Indian authorities, in dismantling the criminal smuggling networks responsible for trafficking these priceless items.
The artifacts were part of a broader investigation into trafficking networks tied to Kapoor and convicted trafficker Nancy Wiener. Five individuals have been found guilty in connection with the case.
