More than 1,100 cultural artifacts recovered after a robbery are displayed in Xi'an. [Chen Liukun and Liang Aiping/Xinhua]

Cooperation

Chen, of the criminal investigation bureau, said police face challenges when they attempt to collect evidence, capture suspects or identify smuggled relics.

"Usually the crimes are not discovered immediately, so we often arrive at the scene several days after the tomb has been robbed. That makes it very difficult to catch suspects or find the stolen objects. It's impossible to completely eradicate these gangs."

He said some traffickers buy or traffic cultural artifacts under the guise of managing antique shops.

"Flea markets have also become popular places to sell artifacts or arrange for them to be smuggled out of the country," he said.

"The suspects collude with their accomplices overseas to operate widespread criminal rings. The stolen artifacts are usually smuggled through Hong Kong or Macao before being taken to Taiwan, Canada, the United States or European countries to be traded."

To tackle the problem, the government will improve communications and strengthen law enforcement cooperation with relevant countries by conducting joint investigations or operations that target major gangs or individuals, he added.

Moreover, public security departments across the country will establish joint working mechanisms with government departments responsible for the protection of cultural heritage to share information, organize detailed deployments and conduct joint operations.

Under the Criminal Law of the People's Republic of China, people caught stealing artifacts face stiff punishments, while those convicted of breaking into ancient cultural sites or tombs of historical, artistic or scientific value, will receive sentences ranging from three to 10 years, and also face heavy fines, said Li Wei, from the Beijing Lawyers Association.

Serial offenders or those whose crimes are deemed extremely serious will be sent to prison for at least 10 years and some will be sentenced to life imprisonment.

According to Chen, tough punishments are the only way to stop the illegal trade: "In the end, only severe measures will curb the theft or trafficking of the nation's cultural heritage."

Contact the writer at zhangyan1@chinadaily.com.cn