A Fox News employee has been charged with smuggling artworks and monetary bonds from Iraq.
Mr Benjamin James Johnson, an employee of Fox News, was arrested at Washington Dulles International Airport with paintings of former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein and one of his sons, according to a US Government official.
"These items are not souvenirs or 'war trophies,' but stolen goods that belong to the people of Iraq," Deputy Secretary Gordon England said at a news conference where some of the seized objects were displayed.
Mr Johnson was arrested today after Customs agents found the paintings. After first saying he was given the paintings, Mr Johnson admitted he had taken them from the home of Saddam's son, Uday, according to a court affidavit made public.
He was charged in US District Court in Alexandria, Virginia, with smuggling and making false statements.
At the news conference, officials showed souvenirs taken from other journalists and US troops, including gold-plated weapons and Iraqi treasury bonds.
"We will not tolerate these undignified actions of a few,"Mr England said.
Customs officials have been instructed to carefully scrutinise returning journalists.
AFP