More than 5 years ago, Facebook created a "policy" to ban the sale of artifacts. Today, we finally see the first Facebook antiquities trafficking group to reach more than 1 million members. Facebook's policies are nothing more than PR. There is no enforcement.

Chicago coin and antiquities dealer Harlan J Berk returns coins to US Navy that had been stolen from a shipwreck. Let’s hope the firm exercises the same due diligence on the antiquities it acquires from the developing world. wgntv.com/news/chicago-news/…

"These virtual investigations led to the opening of new cases, demonstrating how digital platforms are quickly becoming a channel of choice by traffickers to market and sell looted artefacts. A total of 4,298 cultural goods were seized as a result of the cyber patrols."

"Authorities recovered 2,500 archaeological items, primarily Roman coins ... These artifacts had been looted from protected archaeological sites in the province of Caceres using metal detectors and were being sold illegally through social media platforms." interpol.int/en/News-and-Eve…

Latchford directly profited from Cambodia’s genocide. And while there is plenty of reporting to highlight this, it’s clear you’re not big on reading. So I’ll just leave this podcast here for you to listen to, should you decide to educate yourself. youtu.be/rEQztilmA-k?feature…

It looks like you’ve been losing some clients - perhaps they haven’t been happy with the results of the poor trolling they’ve paid for 🤔

Not defamatory when you have used this site to excuse the war crimes of an international trafficker because he was a “sick old man.” You have openly defended inexcusable trafficking. And let’s not forget, you’re PAID to do it. Pretty bad at trolling for a paid troll.

We’re not a partisan organization, because the need to protect heritage and ensure that the US and American dealers are not a party to trafficking is not a partisan issue. If you want to make America great again you should stop shilling for those involved in trafficking 🙂

You insinuate that cultural property import restrictions “are not MAGA” I am pointing out that based on the State Department’s own statement regarding their America First policies, that they consider such import restrictions as America first, contrary to your claims.

@leonmccarron writes "While researching this story, I joined around a dozen Facebook treasure-hunting groups, some of which have upward of 500,000 members from Syria and elsewhere in the region"

ATHAR's @alazmamr tells @newlinesmag “The main take-home of this time is the phenomenal increase in material and activity in Syria," particularly for material trafficked online.

One trafficker makes clear, Facebook is their black market: "These days, many of his sales begin on Facebook. He had recently sold a collection of coins for $3,000 to an online buyer. He also uses TikTok, just like anyone else trying to generate interest in their business."

NEW: @leonmccarron speaks to ATHAR Peoject’s @alazmamr for @newlinesmag about the growing illicit antiquities trade in the new Syria 🧵 newlinesmag.com/reportage/tr…

Contrary to what this antiquities market lobbyist claims, the State Department’s own fact sheet titles “100 Days of an America First State Department” considers its efforts on heritage in conflict zones very America First. state.gov/releases/2025/04/1…