A Florida man has forfeited ancient Hebrew Torah scrolls, Mesopotamian tablets and numerous other historical artifacts to the United States following a federal investigation into the improper importation of antiquities.
The forfeiture involving Matthew Weinberg, of Miramar Beach, Florida, was announced on November 9, 2026, by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida.
The recovered objects include two ancient Hebrew Torah scrolls and cuneiform tablets dating back approximately 4,000 years, along with artifacts originating from several countries in the Middle East and Mediterranean region.
Federal authorities said the items will be repatriated to their countries of origin.
Investigation Began With a Shipment From the United Arab Emirates
According to court documents, the investigation began in July 2025, when U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers intercepted a shipment arriving at Pensacola International Airport from the United Arab Emirates.
The shipment was addressed to Weinberg. Its customs declaration described two terracotta objects valued at less than $200.
However, an appraisal determined that the objects were actually Mesopotamian cuneiform tablets dating from approximately 3000 to 2000 B.C., with a combined value exceeding $15,000.
Investigators subsequently examined additional shipments associated with Weinberg and identified antiquities originating from Iran, Egypt and Cyprus. Authorities said the shipments had also been declared at substantially lower values than their actual worth.
Ancient Torah Scrolls Among the Seized Artifacts
In March 2026, federal agents executed a search warrant at Weinberg’s residence in Miramar Beach.
Among the items seized were two ancient Hebrew Torah scrolls, artwork originating from China and Egyptian artifacts dating from approximately 712 to 525 B.C.
Other objects included a bronze figure depicting the Egyptian goddess Isis nursing Horus, an additional statuette of Isis, an Iranian stone plaque depicting a scorpion from the third millennium B.C. and a terracotta female idol from Cyprus dating to approximately 1450–1200 B.C.
The collection also included a medieval Persian ceramic architectural model and other historical objects.
Investigators Examined International Shipments and Communications
Federal investigators reviewed approximately 117 international shipments associated with Weinberg’s purchases between September 2024 and March 2026. About 109 reportedly arrived without being intercepted.
According to an affidavit cited in the case, investigators also discovered WhatsApp communications between Weinberg and a vendor discussing ways to avoid customs scrutiny by concealing the identities and declared values of antiquities.
His phone also contained searches involving U.S. import regulations for Egyptian and Iraqi artifacts.
Authorities further examined shipments addressed to Weinberg’s grandmother, who died in February 2021. One of the items was a medieval Persian ceramic architectural model that investigators believe Weinberg purchased through eBay for approximately $2,000, although its declared shipping value was $250.
$75,000 Forfeited and Two-Year Restriction Imposed
In addition to surrendering the antiquities for repatriation, Weinberg forfeited $75,000 in U.S. currency identified by authorities as proceeds connected to violations of federal anti-smuggling statutes.
He will also be prohibited from purchasing or selling foreign antiquities and artifacts for two years.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office said the artifacts were subject to import restrictions established through agreements between the United States and countries including Iraq, Egypt and Cyprus.
U.S. Attorney John P. Heekin said the recovered antiquities would be returned to their countries of origin and credited federal investigators and law enforcement partners for their work.
Protecting Cultural Heritage
The case highlights federal efforts to prevent the illegal movement of historical and religious artifacts across international borders.
Ancient Torah scrolls and archaeological objects carry historical, religious and cultural significance. Their recovery and eventual return to their countries of origin are part of broader efforts to protect cultural heritage and enforce international import restrictions.
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Pensacola. The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Winifred L. Acosta and David L. Goldberg.
Credit: Jewish News Syndicate (JNS)
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