U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce

CONGRESSIONAL News:

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce, chairman of the Terrorism and Illicit Finance Subcommittee, led a hearing to examine the best ways to combat the trafficking of cultural artifacts that fund terrorist organizations and activities:

“During times of conflict we see an increased interest in the theft, fraud, looting, and trafficking of priceless religious and cultural sites for artifacts and other antiquities. The longstanding transnational phenomenon of the theft and looting of antiquities attributes greatly to the establishment of illicit network and financing of criminal enterprises ranging from cartels to terrorist groups. Today’s (Friday) hearing is a step forward in helping us better understand how these terrorist and criminal organizations exploit antiquities so we can combat the illicit trading for a safer tomorrow, while protecting our the cultural and religious histories of civilizations around the world.”

Watch the hearing here.