Cops Return Stolen Head to Italy

New York, NY —

The New York City Police Department is returning the head of a statue to Italy. The artwork was up for sale at Christies before authorities figured out it was stolen. WNYC's Richard Hake reports.

REPORTER: The head of Dionysus was originally removed from the villa of Torlonia in Rome dating back to the first century. It was believed stolen and put up for auction by a now defunct Japanese museum back in 1983. Christies had it listed for sale in its catalogue at $25 thousand, but turned it over to police after questions arose as to its authenticity.

Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly says his department can't figure out who stole the statue. Even so, it's no longer needed as evidence.

KELLY: And as a result now returning it to its rightful owner and that is the people of Italy so circumstances being what they are all I can say is salud.

REPORTER: Kelly said the NYPD worked with Italian authorities and continue the investigation which includes other pieces of looted art believed to be in museums and in private collections. For WNYC, I'm Richard Hake.