June 13, 2007

ICE returns more than 400 pre-Columbian artifacts to Peruvian government
3,500-year-old clay vessel among the items to be returned

MIAMI- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials today returned 412 pre-Columbian artifacts to the Peruvian government that were seized in 2005 following a joint investigation between ICE and the Broward Sheriff's Office (BSO).

The pre-Columbian era refers to a period preceding the exploration of the Americas by Christopher Columbus. The artifacts date as far back as 1500 B.C.

ICE agents and BSO officers discovered the artifacts during the execution of three federal search warrants at various South Florida locations. The artifacts, which include ancient pottery, burial shrouds and gold jewelry, were stolen from Peru and illegally smuggled into the United States.

This is believed to be one of the largest seizures of pre-Columbian artifacts smuggled from Peru into the United States. Among the items recovered were a clay vessel estimated to be 3,500-years-old, a clay statue estimated to be 1,800-years-old and a burial shroud linked to ancient Peruvian royalty.

All of the artifacts were examined and authenticated by Florida International University (FIU) professor Dr. Carol Damian and Dr. Ramiro Matos, Peruvian archeologist from the Smithsonian museum in Washington, DC.

"These artifacts are not souvenirs," said Julie L. Myers, Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security for ICE. "The items being returned today are a thread of a nation rich in cultural heritage." "The Peruvian government views with high regard the two years of diligent work invested in recovering these World Cultural Heritage in the frame of the Memorandum of Understanding between Peru and the US that ban the importation of any archeological material from Peru and that has been recently extended for five more years," said Jorge E. Roman, Consul General of Peru in Miami. "We would like to thank the authorities of ICE and BSO for their continuous support and professional work as well as for the recoveries of these priceless Peruvian treasures."

"There are few things more worthy of saving than one's history and heritage. The theft of these items robbed an entire nation of a part of its history. It would be like someone stealing the Declaration of Independence," said Broward Sheriff Ken Jenne. "I am proud that the Broward Sheriff's Office was able to help recover such important pieces of the Peruvian people's history."

U.S. Attorney R. Alexander Acosta stated, "Historical artifacts are a delicate treasure that must be preserved. Today's repatriation demonstrates the success of cooperative efforts between foreign governments and federal, state, and local law enforcement authorities. The recovered artifacts are priceless, and hold historical significance for the people of Peru. No one should seek to profit from antiquities that are part of our world's history and can never be replaced."

ICE agents arrested and charged 66-year-old Italian national Ugo Bagnato. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida handled the prosecution of the case. Bagnato pleaded guilty to the sale and receipt of stolen goods and served 17 months in federal prison.

Bagnato entered the country under the Visa Waiver Program, under which citizens of selected countries -- including Italy -- are allowed to enter the United States using a passport in lieu of a non-immigrant visa. He is in ICE custody in Louisiana. His deportation from the U.S. is imminent.

-- ICE --

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was established in March 2003 as the largest investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security. ICE is comprised of five integrated divisions that form a 21st century law enforcement agency with broad responsibilities for a number of key homeland security priorities.

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