At time of reporting (2020), there was an investigation/prosecution related to this case in the country of origin (Mongolia), but the status was unknown.
There was also a concluded investigation/prosecution related to this case in the country of asset location (Republic of Korea).
The manner of asset transfer was a physical transfer of a movable asset (fossil) and a long-term lease after transfer.
The legal basis for international cooperation was also a Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property/ Cultural Heritage Protection Act.
Specific factors that helped make the asset return possible in this case was cooperation between agencies in Korea; Supreme Prosecutors' Office and Cultural Heritage Administration.
Assets returned
The agreement for the disbursement of returned assets was a Treaty Between The Republic Of Korea And Mongolia On Mutual Legal Assistance In Criminal Matters.
There were special arrangements regarding the monitoring and disbursement of returned assets as after Korea returned the fossils back to Mongolia, Mongolia leased the fossils back to Korea as a symbol of appreciation and good will between the two countries.
| Document Title | Size and Format | Document Type | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Link | Asset Return Agreement/MOU | Go to site |