Carabinieri TPC return 46 artefacts to the Archaeological Parks of

Return of 46 artefacts to the Archaeological Parks of Crotone and Sibari

On 15 April 2026, the Carabinieri unit for the Protection of Cultural Heritage (TPC) formally handed over a group of 46 artefacts of Etruscan, Magna Graecia and Roman origin to the Archaeological Parks of Crotone and Sibari. The objects were recovered in operations carried out in Italy and France.

The restitution ceremony took place at Palazzo Arnone in Cosenza. The artefacts are the outcome of the investigation named "Achei", launched in 2019 and leading to the arrest of 23 people implicated in an international traffick of archaeological goods.

• Investigation and coordination: the operation was carried out by the TPC unit in Cosenza under the coordination of the Public Prosecutor's Office in Crotone.
• International seizures: among the returned items are objects seized in France and repatriated on 16 October last year.
• Scientific relevance: one ceramic fragment appears, on preliminary analysis, attributable to Attic painters active in late 6th century BCE—an important piece for studies on ancient Mediterranean trade.

Captain Giacomo Geloso explained that the inquiry began from the detection of illegal digs at several Calabrian sites and dismantled a network of tombaroli and receivers supplying the illicit market. Filippo Demma, director of the Archaeological Parks, highlighted the significance of the finds for research and public enjoyment.

The recovered artefacts will join the collections of the Crotone and Sibari Archaeological Parks, where they will undergo specialist study and be made accessible for research and public visits.