NewsFox 13 News (WTVT) — Local NewsSeptember 2, 2026Hillsborough
Federal agents in Tampa seize 22,000 ancient artifacts in smuggling investigation
Federal agents have seized over 22,000 ancient artifacts, including coins, pottery, and jewelry, as part of an ongoing investigation into international antiquities smuggling. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is currently working with university experts to authenticate the items before coordinating their return to their countries of origin.
Read the full story at Fox 13 News (WTVT) — Local NewsWhy It Matters
This seizure represents one of the largest recoveries of in HSI history, involving items dating back 1,000 to 5,000 years that are now subject to a long-term authentication and process.
Key Facts
- Federal agents in Tampa seized more than 22,000 ancient artifacts.
- The items originated from Europe, Africa, and the Mediterranean.
- Recovered items include Greek and Roman coins, terracotta pots, vases, statues, weapons, jewelry, and mosaic frames.
- The artifacts are estimated to be between 1,000 and 5,000 years old.
- The operation was conducted by HSI Tampa and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
- No specific suspects or criminal networks have been named by authorities.
- The total financial value of the seized items has not been disclosed.
- The location of the confiscation has not been disclosed.
- Experts from the University of South Florida and the University of Pennsylvania are assisting with authentication.
- HSI intends to return genuine artifacts to their countries of origin.
Who's Mentioned
personMary Cook“Senior Advisor for HSI International Operations.”organizationUniversity of Pennsylvania“Providing expert analysis and authentication for the seized items.”personMicah McCombs“Acting Special Agent in Charge for HSI Tampa.”other22,000“Total number of artifacts seized.”organizationHomeland Security Investigations“Lead agency conducting the seizure and investigation.”organizationUniversity of South Florida“Providing expert analysis and authentication for the seized items.”organizationU.S. Customs and Border Protection“Partner agency in the seizure operation.”