FBI Returns Stolen Conquistador Document to Mexico

Ancient Mexican History Reunited

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has returned a stolen conquistador document to its rightful home in Mexico. The 16th-century document, which was taken from a Mexican library in the 1990s, details the conquistador expeditions that explored and conquered large swaths of land in North America during the Spanish colonial period. After years of collaboration with Mexican authorities and extensive research by FBI art crime specialists, the document's whereabouts were located in an antique shop in the United States. The document's return is a remarkable achievement in preserving cultural heritage and international cooperation.

FBI Art Crime Division

The FBI's Art Crime Team is tasked with investigating crimes involving theft, fraud, and exploitation of artwork and cultural property. The team has had remarkable success in recovering these valuable items, and has recovered $104 million worth of stolen art since it began operations in 2004, including the return of this important conquistador document.