More arrests are likely in US artefact-looting case

The Action Cerberus investigation centred on Blanding in Utah is already the largest "bust" of artefact looting and grave-robbing in the US. Twenty-five people have already been charged after the long-running sting operation involving quantities of ancient artefacts allegedly clandestinely and illegally excavated from federal and tribal lands in the Four Corners region. Authorities involved in the case are now reported to be likely to target more suspects and more arrests are likely. These are reported to include more of the individuals who do the digging. Also targetted will be not only dealers involved in the lucrative black market of ancient Southwest relics, but also the wealthy "collectors who fuel the underground trade". Another case of the "collectors beuing the real looters" for the pro-collecting lobby to deny.

Paul Foy and Mike Stark, More arrests are likely in artifact-looting case, Deseret News, Aug. 5, 2009.