Robin Symes (1939-2023) was a prominent British antiquities dealer who rose to fame in the art world during the late 20th century. Born in February 1939, Symes established himself as one of Britain's most successful dealers in ancient artifacts, building a vast international network through his business dealings. In the 1970s, he formed a long-term partnership with Christo Michaelides, a Greek Cypriot businessman, which propelled their joint enterprise to the forefront of the antiquities trade. Together, they amassed a collection of treasures that included items from ancient Greece, Rome, Egypt, and other civilizations, often sourced through opaque channels that later came under scrutiny. Symes's career took a dramatic turn following Michaelides's accidental death in 1999, when Michaelides's family initiated legal proceedings to claim his share of the partnership's assets. During the ensuing trial, Symes was accused of providing false testimony regarding the extent and value of his holdings, leading to his conviction for contempt of court in 2005. He was sentenced to two years in prison but served only seven months. This case unraveled revelations about Symes's deeper involvement in the illicit antiquities market, including handling looted artifacts and operating an international smuggling network. Italian authorities, in a 2016 investigation, exposed the full scope of his activities, uncovering 45 crates of hidden antiquities stored for 15 years at the Geneva Freeport in Switzerland to evade claims from Michaelides's heirs. Symes was criticized and condemned by archaeologists, cultural heritage organizations, and law enforcement for contributing to the destruction of archaeological sites worldwide through his trade in unprovenanced artifacts. Throughout his life, Symes maintained a low public profile despite his influence in elite art circles, with connections to major museums and collectors. His operations were linked to broader networks of corruption in the antiquities trade, prompting ongoing calls for repatriation of looted items. Symes passed away on October 30, 2023, leaving a controversial legacy marked by legal battles, allegations of smuggling, and significant contributions to the exposure of the illicit art market.