According to court filings, Eldarir trafficked artefacts on at least four occasions between April 2019 and January 2020, using falsified provenance documents to sell the items through U.S.-based auction houses. Eldarir fabricated provenance records to disguise the illicit origins of the looted antiquities.
The case came to light on January 22, 2020, when Eldarir arrived at John F. Kennedy International Airport from Egypt. He falsely declared that the goods he was carrying were worth only $300. A search of his three checked suitcases revealed 590 artifacts wrapped in bubble wrap and foam, many still covered in loose sand and dirt. Among the objects were gold amulets from a funerary set and wooden tomb model figures with linen garments dating to around 1900 BCE. Officers also discovered a kit containing materials used to forge documentation for the items.
Subsequent investigation led to the recovery of additional smuggled artefacts, bringing the total seized to more than 600. All have since been forfeited, and U.S. officials stated that they intend to repatriate them to Egypt.
The usual performative statements are included in media reports of the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys William P. Campos and Nomi Berenson led the prosecution, with support from Paralegal Specialist Amara Padilla. Forfeiture proceedings are being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura D. Mantell.
Eldarir will serve his prison sentence and forfeit all seized antiquities, which are expected to be returned to Egypt.
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