Federal agents raided the Los Angeles County Museum of Art on Thursday as part of a five-year inquiry into smuggled relics. (Photo: Nick Ut/Associated Press)

“Federal agents raided a Los Angeles gallery and four museums in Southern California on Thursday, including the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, as part of a five-year investigation into the smuggling of looted antiquities from Thailand, Myanmar, China and Native American sites.” (New York Times, January 25, 2008)

“They suspect the items were smuggled in from Thailand and China before being given to museums, allowing the donors to claim back tax. The scam involved smugglers putting “Made in Thailand” stickers on genuine antiques to get them through customs. The museums are co-operating but say they had no reason to be suspicious. No arrests have been made.” (BBC News, January 25, 2008)

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