Tholos Talks | Recovering Looted Artifacts and Turning the Tide on Antiquities Trafficking

May 27

With JP Labbat | Hosted by Deborah Lehr

May 15, 2025
Understanding the Thriving Trade in Looted Antiquities, Episode #3

In episode four of Understanding the Thriving Trade in Looted Antiquities — a Tholos Talks series that explores the global repercussions of the antiquities trade — Deborah talks to JP Labbat, a leading expert in cultural heritage protection, to discuss the evolving fight against antiquities trafficking and the recovery of stolen artifacts.

The conversation covers how border officials and law enforcement are becoming more skilled at identifying illicit objects, offers guidance for museums and collectors on ethical acquisitions, and highlights encouraging signs of progress in the field. The conversation also includes other key insights from JP's extensive experience in investigating antiquities trafficking and working with law enforcement on cultural property cases as he reflects on some of his greatest achievements in his career.

Listen on: YouTube, Spotify, and SoundCloud.

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This episode is brought to you by the Basilinna Institute.

About Our Guest

John Paul (J.P.) Labbat is a distinguished expert in cultural heritage protection and antiquities trafficking investigations. With a career spanning decades, he served as a special agent in the Cultural Property, Art, and Antiquities unit of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) until his retirement in September of 2023. Labbat played a pivotal role in high-profile cases, notably the investigation into Douglas Latchford, a notorious antiquities dealer involved in the looting and trafficking of Cambodian artifacts. His efforts contributed to the identification and repatriation of significant cultural objects to their countries of origin. Post-retirement, Labbat continues to lend his expertise as an investigative consultant, collaborating with institutions like the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office to combat the illicit trade of cultural property. His work has significantly advanced the field's capacity to recognize, prosecute, and prevent the trafficking of cultural artifacts.

About Our Host

Deborah Lehr is the CEO of Basilinna, a strategic advisory firm, and founder and Chair of the Antiquities Coalition. She has spoken globally on issues related to cultural heritage. Previously...read the full bio here.

About the Show

Tholos Talks, a series following the spirit of the tholos circle, where Ancient Greek intellectuals gathered to debate the issues of the day. Through deep insight and thought-provoking dialogue, we offer the tools to decode complexity and illuminate the path forward.

Tholos Talks is a Basilinna Institute produced podcast.

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