Ecuador’s Fight Against Cultural Artifact Trafficking, Repatriation From Abroad

On Wednesday June 8th the National Commission of the Fight Against Illicit Trafficking of Ecuador’s Heritage, held a meeting to discuss the illegal trafficking of Ecuador’s cultural property. Interpol reports that the drug trafficking, arms, sex trade, and trade of cultural property are the three largest illegal money-moving networks in the world. Ecuador has lost thousands of archaeological and historic art in this trade. Six police officers were made responsible of conducting investigation of illicit trafficking, during the meeting. The members also discussed the cases where artifacts are being returned from the United States, Denmark and Italy. A review of bilateral agreements to prevent further stealing of cultural artifacts with Venezuela, Costa Rica, and Argentina among others occurred. The national government calls for a state policy to combat this trade. The committee is making the issue national, educating people about the crime and how to preserve their culture.Read Article