U.S. Returns Nine Stolen Miguel Cabrera Paintings to the Republic of Peru

Summary

The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York announced the return of nine stolen Miguel Cabrera paintings to the Republic of Peru. These 18th-century religious artworks, looted from a Lima church, were intended for sale in American auction houses before being recovered by the FBI. The event highlights international cooperation in combating art trafficking and preserving cultural heritage. Key figures participated in the return ceremony, reinforcing ongoing efforts to protect and return stolen cultural properties to their rightful countries. The investigation into the looters remains open.

Highlights

• The U.S. successfully returns nine Miguel Cabrera paintings to Peru, underscoring successful international efforts against art theft 🎨🇺🇸🇵🇪.
• The paintings, reflecting profound religious themes, are highly significant to Peruvian cultural heritage 🖼️🙏.
• Preet Bharara, U.S. Attorney leading the initiative, highlights the ongoing commitment to combatting stolen art trafficking ✨📜.
• FBI and U.S. Attorney's investigation teams played critical roles in identifying and recovering the artworks from U.S. auction houses 🕵️‍♀️🏛️.
• Peruvian officials express gratitude, emphasizing the significance of cultural heritage and ongoing bilateral cooperation 🌍🤝.
• Ambassadors commemorate the occasion, showcasing the strength of U.S.-Peru relations ✨🌟.

Key Takeaways

• The return of the paintings symbolizes a victory for international cooperation in art preservation 🎨✨.
• Miguel Cabrera's works are celebrated as significant cultural artifacts of New Spain's colonial era 🖼️📜.
• The FBI and U.S. Attorney's Office are committed to recovering stolen art and preserving cultural heritage globally 🕵️‍♀️🌍.
• The paintings were part of a larger wave of art thefts from Peruvian churches, highlighting the need for enhanced security and protection of cultural sites ⛪🔍.
• Ambassadorial representation from Peru underscored the event, illustrating the strong ties and mutual respect between the two nations 🤝🇺🇸🇵🇪.

Overview

In a remarkable example of international cultural preservation, the U.S. recently returned nine invaluable paintings by Miguel Cabrera to Peru. These artworks, stolen from a church in Lima, were intercepted before sale in American auction houses. The collaborative efforts between the U.S. Attorney's Office and the FBI highlight a determined stance against the illicit trade of cultural heritage.

The returned paintings, dating back to the 18th century, are poignant pieces of religious artistry. Created by Miguel Cabrera, a notable Mexican painter of his era, these works are celebrated for their historical and cultural significance. The event underscored the persistent issue of art theft from Peruvian churches, coupled with the need to enhance protection measures at cultural sites.

During the ceremony in New York, key figures, including U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara and Peruvian diplomats, spoke on the significance of the event. Their participation marked the strength of U.S.-Peru relations and the shared commitment to preserving cultural heritage. Ongoing investigations continue to seek justice for the looters, with hopes of recovering additional stolen pieces.

Chapters

• 00:00 - 00:30: Introduction of U.S. Attorney and Background of the Case In this chapter, U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara discusses the return of 9 culturally significant paintings to Peru. These paintings were illegally taken from a church in Lima and smuggled to be sold in international art markets, specifically reaching auction houses in Iowa and New York City.
• 00:30 - 01:00: FBI Acknowledgements and Further Details of the Investigation The chapter discusses the ongoing investigation into stolen or forged artworks, highlighting the collaboration between various agencies, including the FBI. The narrator introduces key figures involved in the investigation, such as the FBI's Assistant Director George Venizelos, Assistant Special Agent Bill Chen, and Special Agent Meredith Savona, among others. It emphasizes the importance of the FBI's role and the joint efforts to address cases of art forgery and theft.
• 01:00 - 01:30: Return of Paintings and Cultural Significance In this chapter, the focus is on the return of important artwork and its cultural significance. The successful return was facilitated by collaboration with the FBI. Key figures in this effort include Sharon Cohen Levin, the Chief of the Money Laundering and Asset Forfeiture Unit, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Magdo. The chapter also mentions prominent representatives from Peru, including Ambassador Harold Forsyth, Ambassador Gustavo Meza-Cuadra, and Mrs. Maria Teresa Merino, emphasizing the international cooperation involved in this operation.
• 01:30 - 02:00: Description of the Recovered Paintings and FBI's Role The chapter provides a background on the recovery of nine 18th-century paintings by Miguel Cabrera, a significant artist in New Spain, including modern-day Mexico and Central America. The paintings, all religious, were identified by the FBI as the ones stolen from Peru.
• 02:00 - 02:30: Painting Recovery Details and FBI's Drastic Actions The chapter titled 'Painting Recovery Details and FBI's Drastic Actions' discusses a display of nine paintings by an artist, focusing particularly on the 'Resurrection of Lazarus.' This original piece, renowned as a prime example of Cabrera's artistic prowess, illustrates the miraculous event of Jesus reviving Lazarus four days post-burial, astounding those present. While the original of this painting is showcased, the other eight artworks are presented as reproductions and are positioned throughout various locations within the exhibit space.
• 02:30 - 03:00: International Cooperation Highlighted by Ambassador of Peru The chapter discusses the return of stolen artwork to the Republic of Peru, emphasizing the commitment to protecting cultural heritage. The Ambassador of Peru highlights international cooperation in ensuring such important pieces do not end up in unauthorized markets. The event symbolizes joint efforts to preserve national treasures.
• 03:00 - 04:00: Resolution of the Case and Ambassador Forsyth's Remarks The case was resolved in the Southern District of New York, with assurances given that the United States will continue to return looted art to their rightful owners. This commitment applies to art from Peru, Cambodia, Europe, and other regions, acknowledging their cultural and national significance. The statement emphasizes the importance of heritage and the dedication to international cooperation in preserving it.
• 04:00 - 07:30: Question and Answer Session with Preet Bharara and Ambassador Forsyth In this chapter, a question and answer session featuring Preet Bharara and Ambassador Forsyth is discussed. The narrative begins with George Venizelos from the FBI making a brief statement, highlighting the significance of the day and touching on the themes of art and its purposes throughout history. Art is depicted as a medium for expressing ideas, beliefs, and documenting historical moments.

U.S. Returns Nine Stolen Miguel Cabrera Paintings to the Republic of Peru Transcription

• 00:00 - 00:30 Uh, good morning everyone. My name is Preet Bharara and I'm the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York. Today I am proud to be part of uh, a team that is returning to the Republic of Peru, 9 paintings of great cultural significance. These paintings had been illegally looted, stolen from a church in Lima, and smuggled out of Peru in order to be trafficked on the international art market. They found their way to auction houses in Iowa and New York City, where
• 00:30 - 01:00 they were being offered for sale. I am joined here by - uh, this morning by our partners in this investigation, as in so many other cases of this type involving stolen or forged artworks among other matters, by the FBI. Here from the FBI - and you'll be hearing from him in a moment - uh, the Assistant Director in Charge George Venizelos. Also here representing the FBI is uh, Special Agent - Assistant Special Agent in Charge Bill Chen, and the FBI case agent on this investigation, uh, Special Agent Meredith Savona. Also uh, here today are the career prosecutors from my office who
• 01:00 - 01:30 working with the FBI accomplished the return of this important art. Sharon Cohen Levin is the Chief of the Money Laundering and Asset Forfeiture Unit, and this investigation was led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Magdo. Uh, we are also joined - I'm pleased to announce that we are joined by Mr. Harold Forsyth, Ambassador of, uh, Peru, Ambassador Gustavo Meza-Cuadra, Permanent Representative of Peru to the United Nations, and Mrs. Maria Teresa Merino, Consul General of Peru
• 01:30 - 02:00 in New York. Uh, just a couple of minutes of background. After the investigation by the FBI, uh, the 9 paintings were determined to be the same paintings that were stolen from Peru. They date back to the 18th century, and were all painted by the same artist, Miguel Cabrera Mexican painter. Cabrera is considered one of the most important painters of his time in New Spain; an area which included present day Mexico and Central America. These paintings - all of which were religious in nature -
• 02:00 - 02:30 are typical of this artist. We have on display today what is perhaps the most famous of the 9 paintings, uh, Resurrection of Lazarus, which is the original and here to my left. Uh, and it is known as I said uh, as one of the finest examples of Cabrera's talent. This painting depicts Jesus bringing Lazarus back to life 4 days after his burial to the astonishment of onlookers. The other 8 paintings, uh, are not here in the original, uh, but there are reproductions that are around the room to the side here on the right, and I think in the front, and also outside the elevators
• 02:30 - 03:00 as you come in. Um, they are also being returned to the Republic of Peru uh, and you should take a moment to, to look at those. They are actually, uh, in the FBI's custody 'cause they're a little bit fragile, and are also being turned over to the Republic of Peru today. Uh, today's event is just another example of my office's commitment to assure - assuring that stolen artwork, especially artwork that is such an important part of a nation's cultural heritage does not find a safe haven for resale uh, anywhere
• 03:00 - 03:30 in the United States, and certainly not in our district; the Southern District of New York. So I want to thank everybody who was involved, uh, and assure everyone that when we find out about uh, looted art, whether it's from Peru, or from Cambodia, or from uh, other parts of Europe, as we have returned in the past, uh, we'll do everything we can in our power to reunite that artwork that is precious and part of a nation's heritage back to the rightful owners and the people of those countries. Um, I now turn the podium over
• 03:30 - 04:00 to George Venizelos from the FBI. (George) Thank you Preet. Good morning everyone, Ambassador I have a very short statement I'm gonna, I'm gonna make um, about this great day. Throughout time, most art has been created for a specific reason or purpose. Art could be used to express ideas and beliefs, document periods of historical significance, or commemorate
• 04:00 - 04:30 persons of prominence. The importance and value of art is often times relative to individual perspective. During his lifetime, Miguel Cabrera was recognized as the greatest painter in all of New Spain. His works include religious paintings and portraits. He was a favor - favorite painter of the Archbishop
• 04:30 - 05:00 and of the (unintelligible) order which earned him many commissions. In 2008, 9 religious paintings - like the ones you see around here - were recorded with the Art Loss Register by interpol in Lima, Peru. In January 2009, 8 of the stolen paintings were recovered by the FBI.
• 05:00 - 05:30 These works of art included Christ in Martha's House, and Jesus with Samaritan Woman. Then in about October of 2009, the remaining 9th stolen painting entitled The Resurrection of Lazarus - the one behind us - uh, was identified and recovered. The theft and trafficking across state and international lines of
• 05:30 - 06:00 artwork and other priceless artifacts, is a brewing criminal enterprise with estimated losses in the billions of dollars annually. The FBI with the U.S. Attorney's Office will continue to commit investigative resources and work with law enforcement agencies throughout the world to recover these works of art and bring to justice the criminals
• 06:00 - 06:30 who pilfer these precious pieces. As we work together to restore all art and artifacts to their proper owners, may we remember the purpose they serve in preserving the history of the world for generations to come. For their assistance in this case, I want to thank United States Attorney for the southern District of New York, Preet Bharara,
• 06:30 - 07:00 also the Chief of the Asset and Forfeiture Unit, Sharon Levin and Assistant U.S. Attorney, Christine Magdo. I would also like to acknowledge our friends here, the Ambassador of Peru to the United States, Mr. Harold Forsyth, Ambassador Gustavo Meza-Cuadra, Permanent Representative of Peru to United Nations, and Ambassador Maria Teresa Merino de Hart, the Consul General
• 07:00 - 07:30 of Peru in New York. Lastly, but not.....certainly not least, I want to thank Supervisory Special Agent Tracy Stumpf, Special Agent Meredith Savona, retired Special Agent, James Whin, and the Omaha Division of the FBI for their work on this investigation I want to thank everybody for coming. Thank you.
• 07:30 - 08:00 (clapping) (clapping) (Preet) Thank you George. A well deserved round of applause. Uh, and now it's really my honor to call to the podium, uh, Ambassador Forsyth. (Harold) Thank you. It's great to be here with you Mr. Bharara, Mr. Venizelos and with your fantastic group of collaborators. It is an amazing experience to be able
• 08:00 - 08:30 to be here this morning just to contemplate this beautiful work of art, and of course the others that will go back soon where they rightfully belong; in my country. So, thank you so much. A - actually, this is not a, uh, this is not a simple thing for us. This is the reflection, the reflection - the tremendous detail that we can
• 08:30 - 09:00 enjoy this morning reflects very clearly the great level of the bilateral relations of Peru and the United States, and this is a particular great example. It is an honor and privilege to gather here - together here to witness the return of such precious paintings that are part of our vast cultural heritage. The cultural heritage of Peru comprises of all the tangible intangible objects for its historical value archeological aesthetic, architectural, paleontological, enological documentary, bibliographic, scientific, or technical importance
• 09:00 - 09:30 relevant to the identity and permanence of the nation through time and space. It is due to these that those objects require special protection and defense so that they can be enjoyed, valued, properly used by all citizens, and passed on for future generations. Looted and stolen objects of archeological sites, churches, museums, and repositories of cultural property, increases illicit traffic. The purchase and sale of archeological
• 09:30 - 10:00 or historical objects that is done without regard to the illicit transfer is prohibited. The main malicious acts involving the illicit trafficking of cultural property are illegal transfers and exports. In this opportunity, the reparation of 9 18th century Colonial paintings was stolen in 2008 from a church of the Franciscan Order with other (unintelligible) objects is a big success. It is the result of (unintelligible), collaboration, and good will of the U.S. Attorney's Office
• 10:00 - 10:30 in New York, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Embassy of Peru; all who worked together to return the artifacts to its rightful place among Peru's cultural patrimony. I want to express my sincere thanks for the great works of different organizations of the United States who are present with us here today. I also want to emphasize the longstanding and close relationship between the Embassy of Peru and the Department of Justice under the leadership of U.S. General Attorney, Eric Holder -
• 10:30 - 11:00 my very distinguished friend. The high degree of cooperation in fight against organized crime, terrorism, and corruption, as well as issues of recovering cultural heritages, reflects the excellent relations between the Governments of Peru and the United States, and the strong commitment of the authorities to work together on this matter. Likewise, through the (unintelligible) of agreement between the Government of Peru and the United States like the statement of intent between the Minister of Interior,
• 11:00 - 11:30 National Police of Peru, and the Federal Bureau of Investigations. Both agencies agreed to enhance their cooperation to fight terrorism and transnational crime. We improved our capacity to recover cultural objects like the Resurrection of Lazarus; the most wonderful work by Miguel Meza-Cabrera - so later restitutions continue being watchful for the protection of our cultural heritage and enforce our compromise in this joint effort. Thank you so much.
• 11:30 - 12:00 (Preet) Thank you. (clapping) (clapping) Uh, I don't know if there are any questions. If there are, I'm happy - yes. (Aside) Yes. Uh, do you know uh, what is - have the looters been identified? What has uh, become of the investigation, uh, uh, have they been identified? (Preet) Yeah. To (stutters) my understanding is no, that there is an investigation that continues in the Republic of Peru where the theft took place. Uh, I don't know if the Ambassador has anything to add to that,
• 12:00 - 12:30 but my understanding is that the investigation is ongoing, but the looters have not yet been brought to justice. (Aside) Can you give a bit of background about how, uh, widespread the problem of art theft is incurring? Uh, the Ambassador mentioned uh, not only churches in this case, but archeological settings. (Preet) Yeah. I'm not an expert on, on, uh, art theft in Peru. My understanding; there was with respect to this church, there were not just the 9 paintings that are being returned today, which is great news, but I think something along the lines of 70 pieces of art were stolen from
• 12:30 - 13:00 the church. So were partway there, but we're not all the way there, and we don't know - I don't think - if those pieces are what made their way to auction houses in the United States. If we find out that they did, and we have something to say about it, we will. Um, but I don't know if there's anything further the Ambassador wants to say about the general problem of art theft in Peru......no. (chuckling) I think, I think it speaks for itself. (Aside) Maybe give us some details on how these uh, (unintelligible). (Preet) Yeah. I mean, I think as I said in my remarks, and as
• 13:00 - 13:30 um, as, uh, Assistant Director in Charge Venizelos said, uh, there was uh, an alert that was made to the auction house in Iowa, with respect to 8 paintings that were being sold there, and an investigation was undertaken by the FBI out in Iowa in coordination with folks in New York, because one of the paintings was, uh, being put on consignment to an auction house here in New York. Uh, they did their expert work - because they're people of the FBI who are expert in lots of things, not just explosives, and not just terrorism, but also
• 13:30 - 14:00 in, in, art providence. And they did their investigation and determined that there had been this theft, determined that these paintings, uh, were in fact among the 70 that were stolen from the church, uh, they were brought here, uh, our office was asked to contribute, uh, legal resources to resolving the cases. A stipulation was entered into uh, between the parties. Um, everyone did the right thing in this case. Sometimes it takes a lot of litigation to have people relinquish valuable art because they don't want to, even though there is considerable proof that the art was stolen. And I've been at this podium a number of times with respect
• 14:00 - 14:30 to - uh, and had Ambassadors from other countries stand here, and it's been a much harder and longer fought battle. And we don't have that in this case because I think the um, the facts were clear, uh, and everyone did the right thing, and and gave up, uh, what was not their rightful property in the first place. (Aside) It seems it's a fairly straightforward case. It just went to, uh, galleries that would have - or (unintelligible) who would have reason to look into (unintelligible). (Preet) Yeah. I can't speak to that. I mean, there had been other cases in which
• 14:30 - 15:00 um, there is, uh, there is reason to be, um, unhappy with the auction houses. And typically that's what I was referring to a moment ago; those are cases in which there is a lot of fighting that takes place, um, and and so I don't presume to know, uh, you know, what degree of of diligence was done by the auction house. What I do know is, from everything I've been told, is as soon as that was raised with respect to these paintings, the auction house did the right thing, and the people who were the holders of the paintings did the
• 15:00 - 15:30 right thing. And we had a stipulation that was entered into by Judge Cote yesterday rather than having a long and protracted, uh, uh, case. And sometimes there's other cases that seem straightforward also, but people, you know - America is, is a great country, and it allows people to be litigious. Uh, that didn't happen here thankfully. (Aside) (inaudible)? (Preet) I'm not gonna comment on, on what remains, uh, in an ongoing investigation as to who might have been involved in the conspiracy to loot and then fence those pieces of art. Yeah. (Aside) Question that might be
• 15:30 - 16:00 a little granular detail; it might be for the Ambassador. Uh, what - can you tell me a little bit about the church, uh, from which these paintings, uh, were stolen, and the kind of reaction when, when this happened? It was quite recent, because (unintelligible). (Preet) Yeah. (Harold) Actually, what I know is that the - it's a church, it's a small church, where priests gathered to pray.
• 16:00 - 16:30 I don't know if the church is open to the public. I don't remember (unintelligible) there. But anyway, it's close to my Minister (unintelligible) where I began working so many, many years ago. Eh, the interesting thing is that this church is small and it belongs to the Franciscan Order Eh, it has some prestige, eh, because they gather beautiful works of art. Now the problem that we face on this to some extent - to answer the question that was made
• 16:30 - 17:00 before by, by one of you - is that we have fantastic treasures of paintings and many other things, which go back to the colonial times in so many churches; not only in Lima, but, but (unintelligible) in different parts of Peru. So we are also facing a tremendous problem in order to protect this heritage, and to provide the necessary security. And we're in that process. (Aside) What was the name of the church? (Harold) It's (unintelligible)......(speaking Spanish)?
• 17:00 - 17:30 (Aside) (speaking spanish). (Harold) That's the House of Spiritual Exercises I would say. Yeah. (speaking spanish) you know. (Preet) Thanks everybody.