According to the ministry’s statement, Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA), confirmed that all necessary legal measures have been taken, emphasising the ministry’s firm commitment to transparency and accountability in protecting Egypt’s cultural heritage.
Khaled explained that the tomb had been closed since its discovery and repurposed as a storage facility for antiquities since the 1950s, and that it has not been opened since 2019.
He asserted that on hearing of the alleged disappearance, the Supreme Council of Antiquities promptly formed a specialised archaeological committee, headed by Amr Al-Tayebi, Supervisor of the Saqqara necropolis, to conduct a complete inventory of the tomb’s contents.
After the committee submitted its report, Khaled affirmed that the case was referred to the Public Prosecution for investigation on the same day.
He reiterated that the ministry is closely monitoring the progress of the investigation, in full coordination with the relevant authorities, ensuring that Egypt’s ancient heritage is preserved and safeguarded against any unlawful acts or misconduct.
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