French Customs Seize Undocumented Moroccan Artworks Worth Thousands

Eight masterpieces, a statue and an ancient sword. These are the works of art that the customs brigade intercepted during the control of a ferry from Morocco, reports Midi Libre, adding that these objects were stored in the van of a carrier. Their value would amount to several tens of thousands of euros. These works of art have been impounded, pending an expert assessment.

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Are these "cultural property" (archaeological artifacts, ancient manuscripts, remnants of historic monuments, antiques...)? That’s what the expertise should determine. If confirmed, these objects must be accompanied by supporting documents. Otherwise, they are considered simply as high-value merchandise.

The investigations continue to trace the origin and authenticity of these works of art. If they represent a heritage, a tax will be imposed. The destination of these objects also remains to be determined. The declared recipient would not be in France. Pending the expertise and clarification of the ownership conditions, the works have been transferred to the French museum Paul-Valéry in Sète.