Looting of cultural heritage is as old as humanity itself

Since Paris's Notre-Dame cathedral was severely damaged by fire in April last year, thieves have been trying to make off with stones from the site of the reconstruction. Photo: AP

From ancient mosaics to world-famous canvasses - the trafficking of cultural treasures has gathered pace during the coronavirus pandemic with criminals increasingly conducting the trade online.

Lockdowns worldwide have left museums and archaeological sites abandoned, often barely guarded, their artefacts vulnerable to thieves who often use social media platforms to sell on stolen goods.