California Man Found Guilty of Importing Ancient Syrian Mosaic

A Palmdale, California resident, Mohamad Yassin Alcharihi, 56, was found guilty on Wednesday of illegally importing an ancient mosaic from Syria, a significant artifact dating back to the Roman Empire, according to federal prosecutors.

Prosecutors claimed Alcharihi purchased the mosaic for $12,000 and dishonestly understated its value and quality when imported through the Port of Long Beach, California. The mosaic, depicting the mythical tale of Hercules rescuing Prometheus, was believed to have been looted from conflict-ridden Syria. It arrived disguised as a container shipment of ceramic tiles worth less than $600.

The discovery sheds light on the ongoing illicit trade of cultural artifacts from war-torn regions, contributing to cultural loss and funding criminal networks.

In 2016, federal agents seized the approximately 2,000-pound mosaic from Alcharihi’s garage. Despite paying $40,000 for restoration, the artifact was appraised by government experts to be worth $450,000.

Alcharihi faces a potential two-year prison sentence, with the sentencing hearing scheduled for August 31.