July 6, 2017

Hobby Lobby billionaire ordered to hand over Iraqi treasure trove of priceless artifacts

Hobby Lobby billionaire ordered to hand over Iraqi treasure trove of priceless artifacts

"The United States Department of Justice filed a civil complaint in federal court demanding that Hobby Lobby “forfeit” thousands of Iraqi artifacts illegally smuggled into the country. “The protection of cultural heritage is a mission that [Homeland Security Investigations] and its partner U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) take very seriously as we recognize that while some may put a price on these artifacts, the people of Iraq consider them priceless,” stated Special Agent-in-Charge Angel M. Melendez. The Department of Justice also filed a “stipulation of settlement” with Hobby Lobby in which the arts-and-crafts retailer will pay a $3 million fine and consent to the forfeiture of the artifacts in question. Today’s action will end the civil case. There is no word yet on potential criminal prosecution."