Stolen paintings (and put up for sale online), Etruscan amphorae and medieval finds: assets worth over 400 thousand euros recovered in Sardinia

Over 60 people reported (including 48 for criminal association) and 538 archaeological finds recovered for a total value of over 400 thousand euros.

It is the balance sheet of a year of operations, 2022, by the Carabinieri of the Cultural Heritage Protection Unit of Cagliari.

Among the most important operations: the recovery of four amphorae and two anchor stocks, datable between the fifth century. BC and the seventh century. AD, Etruscan and Roman . The investigations, coordinated by the Lanusei prosecutor's office, made it possible to trace the illegitimate holders.

Again: two oil on canvas paintings by artist Tore Canu that had been stolen . The investigations, coordinated by the Sassari prosecutor's office, made it possible to trace the works following the investigations carried out on the web: it is here that a private (and naive) citizen had published the announcement of the sale.

Finally, the underwater recovery of archaeological finds from the Roman and medieval periods, including 2 wine amphorae dating back to the 1st century. BC Activity carried out, together with the Underwater Carabinieri Nucleus of Cagliari, in support of the Superintendency of Archaeology, fine arts and landscape for the metropolitan city of Cagliari and the provinces of Oristano and Southern Sardinia.

The military, in synergy with the various components of the territorial Arma and other specialized departments, carried out a total of 556 checks in marine and terrestrial archaeological areas, 341 checks in areas protected by landscape/monumental constraints, 228 checks on commercial businesses in the sector, 32 inspections to ascertain the security status of museums and 1,898 checks on cultural assets offered for sale through the various digital commerce platforms.

(Unioneonline/D)