Artifact smuggling refers to the illegal trade of cultural, historical, or archaeological items. This practice often involves the theft of artifacts from sites such as ancient ruins or museums, where they hold significant value. Smugglers may sell these items on the black market, bypassing legal protections and depriving countries of their cultural heritage. The consequences of artifact smuggling are severe, as it can lead to the loss of important historical knowledge and damage to archaeological sites. Organizations like UNESCO work to combat this issue by promoting laws and regulations that protect cultural heritage and by raising awareness about the importance of preserving artifacts for future generations.