Ancient stolen painting found by Ukrainian Border Guards after 20 years of Interpol search

The State Border Guard Service of Ukraine (SBGU) reported the information.

Ukrainian border guards learned about a Ukrainian citizen trying to sell Jan Linsen's 1629 painting Eliezer and Rebecca at the Well. Previously, the seller had left for Poland, although he was looking for buyers in Ukraine as well. 

"This painting is of exceptional value. Interpol had been searching for it since January 9, 2005, when it was stolen from the Dutch Westfries Museum. A total of 24 paintings and 70 silver items disappeared, many still missing," the SBGU stated.

In collaboration with Polish border guards and Dutch representatives, the Zhytomyr border detachment's operational and investigative unit recovered the painting.

A Ukrainian citizen was arrested to be held in custody for three months, and charged. The Krakow District Prosecutor's Office in Poland is conducting the investigation.

• Additionally, UNESCO and Interpol announced plans to create a $2.5 million virtual museum of stolen items from museums, collections, and archaeological sites worldwide, slated to open in 2025.