Not good. Although stealing antiquities for profit is better than destroying them through fanaticism, which may still be one of the results of the “Arab spring.” At least if they are stolen they may survive and eventually be returned to where they belong.
As I understand, it's quite important to know where the item was found. Thieves seldom keep detailed records and hardly any are trained in Archaeology.
1) "Hey, I found two steel gears somewhere in Peru; they seem to be made on a milling machine." - "Well, recycle the metal then."
2) "Hey, I found two steel gears inside of a solid stone wall in Machu Picchu, they opened a secret door; also, they seem to be made on a milling machine." - "!!! (everybody faints)"