Theft of cultural heritage in
Photo: Fredrik Sandberg/TT

Theft of cultural heritage in Sweden is reportedly increasing in 2024

In 2024, 146 thefts were reported from churches, museums and heritage sites in Sweden, and this spring Anundshög, Sweden's largest cemetery, was subjected to extensive grave looting, Magasin K reports.

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According to Peg Magnusson, an administrator at the Swedish National Heritage Board responsible for issues of illegal trade, "Our common cultural heritage is being stolen."

"It is a part of our history and our memory that is disappearing and can never be replaced," she tells Magasin K.

War, conflicts and the internet are fueling the illegal trade in cultural heritage objects, reports Magasin K. After the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, many advertisements for archaeological objects appeared on Facebook.

"It is difficult to say how extensive the cross-border illegal trade is globally, but there is no doubt that the number of thefts is increasing," Peg Magnusson says.

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AuthorTT News AgencyEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for our readers
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