The Looting and Trafficking of Syrian Antiquities Since 2011 1

The looting of antiquities has been a scourge throughout history, especially in times of war. But over the past decade there have been important changes that have expanded and globalized the trade and made it easier for non-experts to reap the profits. This chapter looks at (1) the current state of the trade in looted antiquities from Syria, (2) the role of new technologies that make it easier for terrorists and criminal groups to profit and (3) new ways to track terrorist involvement in the trade and try to disrupt it. Participants include a range of actors from illegal diggers and smugglers to high-ranking political and customs officials who facilitate the transport of materials across borders. Corruption is thus key to this trade. In many instances, linguistic and cultural ties facilitate smuggling across borders. Diverse skill sets and cultural competencies are needed to counter this trade that has become an important source of revenue for corrupt dealers, enablers and non-state actors.