New York Authorities Seize Bronze Bust from Worcester Art Museum as Part of Ongoing Investigation into Smuggling Network

New York authorities have seized a bronze bust from the Worcester Art Museum in Massachusetts as part of an ongoing investigation into a smuggling network involving antiquities stolen from Turkey.

The bust, known as “Portrait of a Lady”, was acquired by the museum in 1966 and is believed to depict the daughter of an ancient Roman emperor. The bust was seized from the museum located 40 miles west of Boston.

The seizure is the latest in an investigation into a smuggling network involving objects looted from Bubon in southwestern Turkey and trafficked through Manhattan. It follows the seizure of a statue thought to portray the Roman emperor and philosopher Marcus Aurelius from a Cleveland, Ohio, museum weeks prior.

The Worcester Art Museum released a statement expressing their disappointment in the seizure of the bust. They noted that the museum has a long history of working with law enforcement to ensure the integrity of their collection and that they are committed to the highest standards of ethical and responsible collecting.

The investigation into the smuggling network is ongoing and no further information has been released at this time.