The headless statue is believed to depict Marcus Aurelius. The investigation into its origins comes over a decade after Turkey claimed that 21 objects at the museum were linked to an illicit trade.

A new report says the Carlos Museum in Atlanta may have acquired hundreds of pieces of ancient art with links to the illicit antiquities trade.

Heritage experts say hundreds of thousands of pieces have been looted at archaeological sites and museums. As the illegal trade in antiquities continues, Iraq is trying to get objects returned.

Archaeologists have ID'ed 100-plus Facebook groups offering looted and illicit antiquities for sale. New rules ban the sale of "historical artifacts" on Facebook but critics want more enforcement.

The museum has tightened its acquisition policies and is working to return potentially looted objects. Early acquisitions reflected a lack of expertise and lack of policy, its chief curator tells NPR.