Hobby Lobby President Says Company Unknowingly Bought Smuggled Artifacts; Hoped to 'Preserve Them for Future Generations'

Leah Marieann Klett : Jul 10, 2017
Gospel Herald

"We should have exercised more oversight and carefully questioned how the acquisitions were handled..." -Steve Green, Hobby Lobby president

[Gospel Herald] Hobby Lobby president Steve Green has said his company has "accepted responsibility and learned a great deal" after agreeing to pay a $3 million fine and forfeit thousands of ancient artifacts that were smuggled from Iraq with improper labels. (Photo: A clay cuneiform tablet, one of the artifacts the owners of Hobby Lobby illegally imported into the United States from Iraq. United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York/via Gospel Herald)

Hobby Lobby president Steve Green has said the faith-based company has "accepted responsibility and learned a great deal" after agreeing to pay a $3 million fine and forfeit thousands of ancient artifacts that were smuggled from Iraq with improper labels.

"We should have exercised more oversight and carefully questioned how the acquisitions were handled," Green, who also serves as chairman of the board of Museum of the Bible, said in a statement. "Hobby Lobby has cooperated with the government throughout its investigation, and with the announcement of today's settlement agreement, is pleased the matter has been resolved."

He added, "We have accepted responsibility and learned a great deal. Our entire team is committed to the highest standards for investigating and acquiring these items. Our passion for the Bible continues, and we will do all that we can to support the efforts to conserve items that will help illuminate and enhance our understanding of this Great Book."

Hobby Lobby agreed Wednesday to the settlement with the US Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York, according to...

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