U.S. ‘Tomb Raider’ Caught Smuggling 600 Ancient Egyptian Treasures

A real-life “tomb raider” has been brought down after trying to sneak hundreds of priceless Egyptian artifacts into the U.S.

Ashraf Omar Eldarir, 52, was sentenced Wednesday to six months in federal prison after being caught red-handed smuggling nearly 600 ancient treasures — some dating back almost 4,000 years — through JFK Airport.

In 2020, Eldarir arrived in New York with three suitcases stuffed with relics: gold amulets, carved statues, and artifacts dating back to 1900 BCE. Some pieces were still caked in fresh sand, making it obvious they had been ripped straight from tombs.

When questioned, Eldarir claimed the entire stash was worth just $300. Customs agents didn’t buy it.

According to prosecutors, Eldarir had faked documents to make the artifacts look like cheap souvenirs. Investigators believe he planned to auction them off to private collectors in the U.S.

“He looted Egypt’s cultural treasures and lied to U.S. Customs as part of a web of deception he spun to illegally fill his pockets with cash,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella. “Those who steal cultural treasures and smuggle them into the U.S. will be held accountable.”

Experts warn that Egypt’s ancient artifacts are at the center of a multi-billion-dollar black market. Looted items routinely sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars to wealthy buyers seeking “exclusive” pieces of history.

“This isn’t just theft — it’s the erasure of history,” said a former federal investigator who has handled similar cases. “Once these artifacts disappear into private collections, they’re gone forever.”

Eldarir pleaded guilty in February to four counts of smuggling and admitted to falsifying customs documents. The artifacts will be returned to Egypt under international cultural property agreements.

Federal prosecutors called the case a warning to smugglers worldwide: “If you think you can strip nations of their heritage and sneak their treasures into the U.S., think again,” Nocella warned. “We will find you.”