International operations

An international operation is a coordinated, time-limited action that brings together several administrations from different countries around a common objective: controlling a flow, checking a market, finding reported objects. OIMAP provides the framework, the introductions, the data and the expertise.

Each operation rests on a written mandate, a timetable and rules for sharing information. States remain in charge of their own investigations and prosecutions.

The Organisation plays three roles. It alerts, thanks to the BIOP registry and to reports of theft or loss received within 24 hours. It coordinates, by bringing the actors together and ensuring the consistency of their actions. It monitors, by ensuring the restitution of works and the documentation of results.

It also makes accredited experts available to identify seized objects, together with legal support based on the 1954, 1970 and 1995 conventions.

Some operations are targeted checks, at the border or on an online marketplace. Others are verification campaigns in auction rooms and fairs. Still others accompany restitutions, from establishing the identity of the work to its physical return.

Training activities are linked to these operations: the officials who take part follow the Academy's modules, which strengthens the results.

A restituted work is one whose ownership is recognised as belonging to a State or a person and which returns to its rightful place. The process comprises identification, verification of rights, agreement of the parties, secure transport and a conservation report.

The cumulative total of 847 restituted works covers very varied objects: manuscripts, archaeological objects, paintings, ritual instruments. Each restitution is documented in the annual reviews.

Ongoing operations are subject to the confidentiality of the investigation. OIMAP does not publish any detail liable to compromise proceedings, endanger officials or make it easier to circumvent controls.

Conversely, consolidated results are published each year. They allow the public, States and market professionals to assess the effectiveness of international action.