SOON: ‘Artifact War’ world premiere and best feature doc nominee at the .@austinfilmfest. The film follows the work of @alazmamr @Adnan77227624 @AnthroPaulicy as they track trafficked Syrian antiquities from war zone looting sites to social media sites.

Chicago coin and antiquities dealer Harlan J Berk returns coins to US Navy that had been stolen from a shipwreck. Let’s hope the firm exercises the same due diligence on the antiquities it acquires from the developing world.

"These virtual investigations led to the opening of new cases, demonstrating how digital platforms are quickly becoming a channel of choice by traffickers to market and sell looted artefacts. A total of 4,298 cultural goods were seized as a result of the cyber patrols.".

"Authorities recovered 2,500 archaeological items, primarily Roman coins . These artifacts had been looted from protected archaeological sites in the province of Caceres using metal detectors and were being sold illegally through social media platforms."

RT @bellingcat: This month, the Bellingcat Open Source Challenge dives into the world of art, history and illicit trade. Can you spot the t….

@alazmamr @newlinesmag @leonmccarron writes "While researching this story, I joined around a dozen Facebook treasure-hunting groups, some of which have upward of 500,000 members from Syria and elsewhere in the region".

ATHAR's @alazmamr tells @newlinesmag “The main take-home of this time is the phenomenal increase in material and activity in Syria," particularly for material trafficked online.

One trafficker makes clear, Facebook is their black market: "These days, many of his sales begin on Facebook. He had recently sold a collection of coins for $3,000 to an online buyer. He also uses TikTok, just like anyone else trying to generate interest in their business.".

NEW: @leonmccarron speaks to ATHAR Peoject’s @alazmamr for @newlinesmag about the growing illicit antiquities trade in the new Syria 🧵.

RT @QalaatM: Syria: the Defense Ministry thwarted an attempt to smuggle 2 artifacts from Palmyra out of the country. The 2 pieces - typic….

Contrary to what this antiquities market lobbyist claims, the State Department’s own fact sheet titles “100 Days of an America First State Department” considers its efforts on heritage in conflict zones very America First.

RT @peoplingthepast: The #PeoplingPodcast is BACK! Today, to kick off Season 4, we are joined by Katie Paul to discuss the role of Facebook….

RT @WilsonCenterMEP: EVENT | Documentary Screening: Artifact War . Join us for "Artifact War," exploring ISIS's antiquities trafficking in….

RT @GretchenSPeters: The incredible work of @CounteringCrime members.@ATHARProject is now being featured in a documentary. Archeologists go….

RT @ARCA_artcrime: 📷 A Visigothic silver medallion, dating between the 5th and 7th century CE, in circulation in New York with Phoenix Anci….

RT @poetryinstone:

RT @BrianKarem: NOW: They waited until late at night, but look at this little nugget and see what they snuck in in an effort to cut governm….

RT @bellingcat: Are you a keen researcher and passionate about environment or wildlife investigations? Bellingcat is looking for wildlife a….

RT @jpwarchaeology: I talk a fair bit about the expectation that archaeologists will work for free. Even when we do get paid for appearing….

RT @ChasingAphrodit: Well known antiquities trafficker Doris Wiener cited as only provenance for this Sotheby’s sale. Doris’s daughter Nanc….

Join us on Friday, April 4 for a special screening of “Artifact War” at @WilsonCenterMEP . The screening will be followed by a Q&A with director Evan Carpenter, @alazmamr and @AnthroPaulicy . Check out the trailer below and RSVP through Wilson Center .