Cultural Heritage Smuggling and the Nexus with Terrorism - July 2024
The report "Cultural Heritage Smuggling and the Nexus with Terrorism" delves into the intricate and pervasive issue of cultural heritage smuggling, with a specific focus on antiquities. This report highlights the significant connection between this illegal trade and terrorism, showcasing how terrorist and insurgent groups leverage profitable illegal markets to finance their activities and further their agendas.
Cultural heritage smuggling is not a new phenomenon. It spans millennia, dating back to ancient empires and the colonial era, when the looting of treasures was rampant. Throughout history, various actors, not just insurgent groups, have posed a persistent threat by engaging in the illicit trade of cultural properties.
The motivation behind smuggling and the destruction of cultural heritage extends beyond financial gain. Militant groups use these acts to assert political control by erasing symbols of identity. The report traces the evolution of cultural property as a revenue source for non-state armed groups, beginning in the early 1980s with drug trafficking organizations and insurgent groups in Latin America, and warlords in Africa and Afghanistan.
The turn of the 21st century saw a significant increase in the supply of antiquities, particularly in Iraq from 2003 onwards, due to mass looting. The rise of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and the expansion of its affiliates have made looting for terrorism financing more prevalent. The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has been monitoring these activities closely since 2017.
Despite extensive intelligence on terrorist financing from illicit antiquities, proving these connections in legal courts remains challenging. The report identifies several obstacles, including the lack of comprehensive data on the market's size and dynamics, and the legal and political variances across countries. Smuggling routes often overlap with those for arms, drugs, and human trafficking, further complicating efforts to counteract these activities.
Cultural artefacts are often traded openly on the surface web, unlike illicit drugs and weapons. Many buyers are unaware of the illicit origins of these goods, highlighting the need for greater public awareness and better documentation practices.
The smuggling of antiquities involves a complex network of middlemen, storage facilities, forgers, and highly organized mafia-style groups. The largest markets for these artefacts are the USA and European States, with Iran, Turkey, Arabian Peninsula states, China, and South Asia also playing significant roles.
The report emphasizes the importance of enhancing cultural awareness programs, improving cooperation among member states, and developing a multidisciplinary network of experts. It also highlights the need for collaboration between public and private sectors, particularly in destination countries, to better assess and combat the impact of the illicit antiquities trade.
This comprehensive report aims to provide a detailed overview of cultural heritage smuggling and its intersection with organized crime and terrorism. It calls for a more effective state response and international cooperation to address the challenges posed by the illicit trade in antiquities and to protect cultural heritage globally.
Video by Odhran McCarthy
