The Netherlands will return a stolen ancient sculpture to Egypt.
2 November 2025
It is “highly likely” the 3 500-year-old sculpture dating from the time of the pharaohs, was plundered during the Arab Spring in either 2011 or 2012.
A decade later, it turned up at an arts and antiques fair in Maastricht and, following an anonymous tip-off, Dutch authorities determined it had been stolen and exported illegally.
A decade later, it turned up at an arts and antiques fair in Maastricht and, following an anonymous tip-off, Dutch authorities determined it had been stolen and exported illegally.