The internationally acclaimed Moldovan violinist Alexandra Conunova has received back a €2M Guadagnini instrument that was seized from her at the Chisinau Airport in October.
The Special Cases Prosecutor’s Office (PCCOCS), which handles the investigation, said this was possible after Conunova was able to produce authenticated documents proving that she was a legitimate holder of the 18th century violin.
Conunova had started a petition pleading with the Moldovan authorities to return the precious item and saying the customs officers acted overzealously.
Prosecutors insist the musician failed to properly declare the instrument when exiting the country back in October. “If a good of cultural value is transported, the law requires that it is declared as such”, it said in a press release.
With the violin returned, the PCCOCS said the formal investigation will continue nevertheless, until it's legally resolved.
