New reports are claiming that Italian authorities have uncovered one of the biggest art and antiquities smuggling networks in a Swiss warehouse.

For decades Italy art museums have been a target for art thieves and smugglers, due to it being home to some of the most prized Roman ancient art works. Even so, police were stunned when they found 5,361 vases, craters, bronze statues and frescoes after raiding a Swiss warehouse owned by former Sicilian art dealer Gianfranco Becchina.

The total valuation of the find is roughly $58 million worth of art.

An email to Becchina's olive oil farm in Sicily was not immediately returned. Police said he was free after the statute of limitations expired on the charges.

"This is by a long shot the biggest recovery in history in terms of the quantity and quality of the archaeological treasures," Carabineri Gen. Mariano Mossa told a news conference.

The 8^th century B.C. to 3^rd century A.D. pieces of art were sent to be examined at the Terme di Diocleziano.

The items were discovered during an investigation against Mr and Mrs Becchina, who were accused by prosecutors of being part of an elaborate antiquities trafficking network that utilised tomb raiders, dealers and buyers from all around the world.

It was discovered that dealers would try to create credible histories for the art pieces by forging provenance papers. Private collectors and museums normally prefer to purchase antique art pieces with a credible history.

A more important discovery may be the detailed documentation of Becchina's inventory, including photos and receipts. These can be used to track down pieces sold to other museums and repatriated by the Italian government.