MP finds historical documents in art dealer’s house

The Minas Gerais Public Prosecutor’s Office (MPMG) found, through Operation Return Me, hundreds of historical documents that may have been subtracted from the collections of Minas Gerais public bodies. They were apprehended this Wednesday morning (28) in Brasília, at the home of an arts and antiques dealer. His name was not disclosed. Among the material, there are permits, decrees and regulations from the second half of the 18th century referring to the exploration of gold in Minas Gerais and the Pombaline Period (1750-1780). Some documents were printed on rag paper, typical of the colonial period, and have a watermark and standardization characteristic of the Oficina Régia Tipoográfica. In addition, there are sheets that show traces of glue and sewing lines, indicating that they may have been torn from official bindings. Among the material, there are permits, decrees and regulations from the second half of the 18th century – MPMG According to the MPMG, historical documents characterized as non-commercial cultural goods, of public origin and permanent value, cannot be freely commercialized. The institution considered that the seizure carried out is one of the most important of all times for Brazilian archival heritage, both in terms of volume and relevance of the material. As investigations are still ongoing, the exact number of documents collected was not disclosed. Their origin will be further investigated. The seizure was carried out with the support of the Public Ministry of the Federal District and Territories (MPDFT). The Military Police of Minas Gerais and the Federal District also supported the operation. Still at the dealer’s residence, the MPMG team sorted, cataloged and packed the documents. They were transported to Belo Horizonte, where they will be examined. “Once the authenticity is proven and the origin identified, they will be opportunely returned to the archives and institutions from which they should never have left”, informed the MPMG in a note. Through preliminary analysis, it is believed that some documents have been subtracted from the collection of the Public Archive of Minas Gerais, located in the capital of Minas Gerais. Still at the dealer’s residence, the MPMG team carried out a screening, cataloging and packaging of the documents – MPMG According to Federal Law 4.845 of 1965, crafts produced in the country until the end of the monarchical period are subject to a special legal regime regarding their use and availability. In addition, Federal Law 8159 of 1991, which provides for the national policy on archives, determines that documents of permanent value are inalienable and imprescriptible, subjecting violators to criminal, civil and administrative responsibility. Historical documents were seized in Brasilia, at the home of an arts and antiques dealer. – MPMG

Agência Brasil