Alleged antiquities smuggler’s children convicted of money laundering in Germany
A criminal court in Hamburg has ordered the confiscation of €32m in sales proceeds from Serop Simonian’s children, who plan to appeal their conviction
Two children of the alleged antiquities smuggler Serop Simonian have been convicted of money laundering in Hamburg, Germany. According to the city criminal court, they will have their €32m confiscated and face fines exceeding €120,000. The children's identities remain undisclosed, but they are accused of involvement in the sale of ancient artifacts to the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
These sales reportedly amounted to €70m. Abraham Simonian and his sister Alice Simonian Schad, who are also accused of money laundering, have appealed the decision. Earlier, a charge against Abraham Simonian for collaborating with a gang to traffic stolen goods was dropped due to insufficient evidence. The Simonian family's antiquities were moved to Antwerp in 2021, where they were seized.
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