Ancient Cambodian Treasures Return Home After Decades-Long Smuggling Scheme

Seventy-four ancient Cambodian artifacts have been returned to their homeland after being illegally smuggled out during decades of war. The treasures were part of a notorious smuggling operation run by art dealer Douglas Latchford, who died before facing federal charges.

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Ancient treasures spanning centuries of Cambodian history have made their way home after being stolen during the country’s darkest periods of conflict and chaos.

Deputy Prime Minister Hun Many presided over a special ceremony Friday at Phnom Penh’s National Museum, where 74 priceless artifacts were officially returned from the United Kingdom. These cultural treasures had been taken from Cambodia as part of an illegal smuggling operation and were recovered through a 2020 settlement with the estate of Douglas Latchford, a deceased art dealer accused of running the smuggling network.

According to the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, “This substantial restitution represents one of the most important returns of Khmer cultural heritage in recent years, following major repatriations in 2021 and 2023 from the same collection. It marks a significant step forward in Cambodia’s continued efforts to recover, preserve, and restore its ancestral legacy for future generations.”

The recovered pieces span from the pre-Angkorian era through the peak of the mighty Angkor Empire and include massive sandstone carvings, intricate bronze artwork, and sacred ceremonial items. The Angkor civilization flourished from the 9th through 15th centuries and left behind the famous Angkor Wat temple complex, now the country’s premier tourist destination.

Latchford operated as a well-known antiquities trader who allegedly masterminded an extensive network for selling stolen Cambodian sculptures to international buyers.

During Cambodia’s devastating civil conflicts and the horrific Khmer Rouge period from the 1970s through 1980s, systematic looting operations delivered stolen artifacts to Latchford, who then marketed them to collectors, dealers, and museums throughout the West. Many pieces suffered damage when thieves forcibly removed them from temple structures and ancient sites.

Federal prosecutors in New York brought charges against Latchford in 2019, including wire fraud and conspiracy allegations, but he passed away in 2020 at 88 years old before authorities could bring him to trial.

The return of these artifacts reflects a growing international movement to restore cultural treasures to their countries of origin. This trend has benefited Cambodia and Thailand, along with nations affected by conflicts in Syria, Iraq, and territories occupied by Nazi Germany. Major institutions like New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art have participated in returning illegally obtained works, including pieces from Cambodia.

“The ancient artifacts created and preserved by our ancestors are now being returned to Cambodia, bringing warmth and joy, following the country’s return to peace,” Hun Many stated. He serves as the younger brother of current Prime Minister Hun Manet.