Iraqi officials implicated in smuggling of antiquities, British Museum expert says

Senior Iraqi officials are involved in the smuggling of archaeological items during their trips abroad, according to a British Museum expert specialized in Mesopotamian antiquities.

Farouq al-Rawi, Professor of ancient Mesopotamian languages, said most of the antiquities these officials carry with them abroad end up in the private collections of royals and wealthy families particularly in the oil-rich Gulf states.