COSENZA – I Carabinieri of the Cultural Heritage Protection Unit of Cosenzaalso in 2023 they conducted, throughout the Calabrian and national territory, a series of investigative actionswhich allowed not only the rand recovery of various archaeological finds, the result of clandestine excavationsbut also the seizure of numerous antiquesincluding importantthe paintings marketed in Calabria and coming from home burglaries carried out throughout Italy, as well as several fake contemporary works of art. The investigative activity that allowed the recovery of the painting, conducted by the Carabinieri of the TPC Unit of Cosenza coordinated by the Public Prosecutor’s Office of Parma, was particularly significant and originated from a control – aimed at combating the illicit marketing of works of art – at the antiques event called “Mercantinfiera 2023” held in Parma in October 2023.
17th century oil on canvas depicting “Christ on the cross”
In an exhibition stand, a painting was spotted oroil on canvas dating back to the end of the century. XVII, depicting “Christ on the cross”. The painting appeared to have been astaken in 2015, during a theft perpetrated at a private home in the province of Benevento. With the collaboration of the complainant, it was possible to confirm the furtive provenance of the painting in question which, therefore, was seized on the initiative. The AG of Parma, sharing the investigative findings collected, validated the seizure carried out on the initiative of this Unit, subsequently ordering the release from seizure and the return of the property to the rightful owner.
The Cosenza Unit continued, also in 2023, with an incisive prevention activity which,associated with collateral and constant repressive activity, has made it possible to effectively combat the various forms of criminal aggressioni implemented towards the local regional cultural heritage, also thanks to the positive signals recorded following the entry into force of Law no. 22 of 22 March 2022 – with amendments to the criminal provisions regarding the protection of cultural heritage currently contained mainly in the Code of Cultural Heritage (Legislative Decree 42/2004) and integrating the Penal Code with 17 new articles (from 518-bis to 518-undevicies).
The 2023 report with the activities of the Cultural Heritage Protection Unit
no. 1 person arrested in flagrante delicto
no. 50 people handed over in a state of freedom to the Judicial Authorities, of which 21 for crimes against the landscape
no. 9 antiques recovered
no. 2,939 archaeological finds recovered
no. 26 fake paintings seized
no. 4 fake antiques seized;
no. 76 checks on archaeological areas aimed at preventing clandestine excavation activities
no. 51 checks on landscape and monumental areas aimed at preventing building abuse
no. 35 checks on antiques activities, fairs and markets in the sector aimed at preventing receiving and money laundering crimes
no. 228 cultural assets subjected to photographic assessments
-Sky advertising-
