On 27–28 April 2026, ICOM Estonia, in cooperation with the Estonian National Heritage Board, is organising the international conference “Illicit Trafficking of Cultural Objects. Who Protects Heritage?” at the Estonian National Museum (Muuseumi tee 2, Tartu).

The conference will bring together representatives of museums, archives, libraries, law enforcement agencies, and policymakers from the region to discuss patterns of illicit trafficking of cultural objects, ways to prevent it, and international cooperation in protecting cultural heritage.

Illicit trafficking of cultural objects remains a global problem. The growing use of digital platforms has created new challenges, providing additional channels for traffickers to operate. The conference presentations will address legislative frameworks related to the illicit trafficking of cultural objects, regional case studies, and the role of museums and heritage institutions in safeguarding cultural heritage. Raising awareness among museums and law enforcement agencies is one of the most effective ways to prevent illicit trafficking, and this will be a key focus of the conference.

Conference programme:
https://www.icomeesti.ee/kultuurivaartuste-ebaseaduslik-kaubandus/conference

Participation in the conference is free of charge; however, pre-registration is required (open until 13 April): https://www.icomeesti.ee/kultuurivaartuste-ebaseaduslik-kaubandus/registreerimine

The conference will be livestreamed and simultaneous interpretation in Estonian and English will be provided.

The conference is organised within the framework of the ICOM project PRISM, funded by the European Union, which aims to raise awareness of illicit trafficking of cultural objects and strengthen international cooperation in protecting cultural heritage. More information: https://www.icomeesti.ee/kultuurivaartuste-ebaseaduslik-kaubandus

Further information:
Agnes Aljas, Estonian National Museum – agnes.aljas@erm.ee
Tiina Vint, University of Tartu Museum – tiina.vint@ut.ee