It is widely acknowledged that the destruction and damaging of archaeological sites, illegal obtaining and trade in antiquities leads to the impoverishment of the archaeological heritage, causing irreversible losses. Damages done relate not only to losses in terms of culture and historical knowledge, but also to a wider range of socio-economic interests. Considering social, cultural, symbolic significance and numerous uses of the heritage, it is complicated to make an accurate monetary valuation of heritage objects as well as the damage caused in result of illegal activities, e.g. illegal excavations. Due to their commodity value archaeological sites often become targets of offences committed with the aim to get antiquities. In the process of illegal obtainment of antiquities harm is being done to the archaeological site itself. Therefore, the question arises what are the criteria for assessing damage to archaeological heritage caused by illegal activities and how justified is calculation of such damage in the relevant criminal and civil proceedings? What compensation the owner of the archaeological site and other stakeholders can count on to cover their losses? In order to answer these and other questions the range of affected socio-economic interests, as well as current approach and practice in Latvia and several foreign countries are observed in the presentation. The presentation is based on research done by A.Kairiss (PhD oec. cand., RTU) and I.Olevska (LL.M., founder of the ArtLaw.Club platform). Methods used in the research are literature review, legal framework and criminal cases analysis, documentary and statistical analysis and elements of qualitative content analysis. International comparisons were made consulting with foreign experts.