Two reliquaries stolen from Czech church found in Ireland

Irish police have recovered two gilded wooden reliquaries dating back to the 18th century, which experts believe were stolen nearly 30 years ago from a church in the Czech Republic. The news was reported by the Irish public broadcaster RTÉ, citing police sources. The report notes that churches in some parts of the Czech Republic were frequent targets of theft during the 1990s, and only now, decades later, are some of these valuable artifacts being returned. The Czech police are currently preparing a statement.

Irish detectives specializing in art and antiques crime were alerted to the items last year by Interpol, following a request from Czech authorities. The reliquaries were reportedly identified in an Irish auction catalogue by a former member of a Czech Ministry of Culture search team.

Police emphasized that no criminal investigation has been opened, as the individual who purchased and brought the items to Ireland did so in good faith.