Understanding Illicit Trafficking of Antiquities through insights from the ANCHISE project

Illicit trafficking of antiquities remains one of the most pressing threats to cultural heritage in Europe and beyond. Tackling this issue requires not only legislative measures and law enforcement but also research, technological innovation, and dialogue with those working on the ground. At the Andreas Pittas Art Characterization Laboratories (APAC Labs) of The Cyprus Institute, we are deeply engaged in this mission through our participation in ANCHISE—a Horizon Europe project focused on preventing and addressing the trafficking of cultural goods.

As part of our work under ANCHISE, we recently concluded a series of in-depth stakeholder interviews across Cyprus. These conversations brought together diverse voices from the cultural heritage sector—museums, archaeologists, law enforcement officers, researchers, and policymakers—to explore their experiences, challenges, and needs when it comes to identifying, protecting, and tracing artefacts at risk.

The interviews offered valuable insights into how different actors perceive their roles and responsibilities in combating illicit trafficking, as well as the gaps they face—particularly in relation to digital tools. They also highlighted the need for practical, user-friendly tools that can assist in documentation, provenance research, and cross-institutional collaboration.

These important findings directly inform our contributions to ANCHISE and guide the development of technologies that are not only scientifically robust but also grounded in real-world stakeholder needs. 

Cyprus, as a country with a long history of cultural exchange and conflict, provides a critical lens through which to understand how illicit trafficking operates—and how communities, researchers, and institutions can work together to combat it.