Restitutions completed

A bronze statue, stolen from a museum in 2005, was identified in 2022 when offered for sale in a gallery abroad. The gallery, informed by the BIOP database, withdrew it from the market and returned it to the institution three months later.

A set of thirty-two tablets looted from an archaeological site was seized during a joint operation. After appraisal, it was handed to its country of origin at an official ceremony attended by elected officials, archaeologists and residents of the region.

The first lesson is that speed counts: the earlier the work is spotted, the simpler the restitution. The second is that operators' cooperation is decisive: most quick restitutions come from a dealer or auction house that withdrew the work as soon as it discovered its origin.

The third is that documentation, notably old photographs and inventories, saves months of procedure. Hence the importance of prevention.

Once the work is returned, OIMAP offers support: conservation advice, help with exhibiting, setting up suitable security. For small museums, this support is valuable, because a restituted item must also be protected.

Good-faith holders are compensated when the law or the agreement so provides. Their collaboration is recognised: OIMAP publishes, with their agreement, thanks that highlight their exemplary conduct.

Every restitution strengthens trust in the market: it shows that the rules serve a purpose. It also encourages owners to report a theft, dealers to withdraw doubtful pieces and States to cooperate.

OIMAP's goal is to reach one thousand cumulative restitutions within three years, by consolidating mediation, speeding up identification and supporting States in preparing their cases.