Egypt Repatriates 20 Smuggled Artefacts From Australia

Egypt has repatriated 20 artefacts that were smuggled abroad and located in Australia, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced. The pieces were returned to Egypt following coordination between the Egyptian Embassy in Canberra and Australia’s Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts.

The artefacts, described as possessing significant historical and archaeological value, include items dating back to various periods of ancient Egyptian civilisation. Their recovery was facilitated by legal procedures undertaken by both nations after the items were intercepted in Australia, where authorities flagged their undocumented origins.

This development falls within the broader framework of Egypt’s national campaign to recover stolen and illegally exported antiquities through diplomatic, legal, and intergovernmental cooperation. The Ministry did not release details regarding the specific provenance or the smuggling network involved in this case, though officials reiterated their continued commitment to pursuing the return of Egyptian cultural property from around the world.

The artefacts are now in the custody of the Supreme Council of Antiquities and are expected to undergo examination and restoration before being displayed.