An artifact smuggler was quoted in the media as saying that the ability to smuggle ancient artifacts and antiques from historic sites in Syria has become easier and more rampant since the start of the violent civil conflict. According to the report, artifact such as vases, silver coins and ceramic figures are all being looted… Continue reading Artifact and Antique Smuggling in Syria
Tag: Art Theft News
Data and market figures for the illegal trade in stolen art and antique smuggling. Contains statistics on art theft, tomb raiding and other art crimes.
Religious Artifacts Stolen from Macedonia Churches
A report by the Associated Press stated that over 10,000 religious artifacts have been stolen over the past 10 years from churches in Macedonia. It was previously reported that 800 churches and 53 mosques in the country had items taken from their churches. Among the items stolen were 23 icons created by Dico Zograf, who… Continue reading Religious Artifacts Stolen from Macedonia Churches
Artifacts from Johor, Malaysia
Artifacts that have been dug up from archeological sites in the state of Johor, Malaysia are being sold on the black market. Cultural officials from Malaysia state that the total trade in black market artifacts could be near $1 Million. In an example of the trade, a single gold coin that was dug up by… Continue reading Artifacts from Johor, Malaysia
Stolen Art in Turkey
According to an inventory check of artwork at the State Museum of Art and Sculpture in Ankara, Turkey, there were over 300 art pieces that were discovered to have been stolen. Included in the missing artwork were items that were found to be replaced by counterfeits. In a single art theft case in late 2013,… Continue reading Stolen Art in Turkey
Value of Artwork Stolen in the United Kingdom Each Year
The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) in the United Kingdom stated that over $482 Million (£300 Million) in artwork and antiques were being stolen across the country each year by organized crime groups. The organization states that the costs of the stolen art is more costly than the theft of stolen cars vehicles. Between… Continue reading Value of Artwork Stolen in the United Kingdom Each Year
Cultural Artifacts and Artwork Stolen From Russia
The Interior Ministry of Russia estimates that nearly $1 Billion worth of cultural artifacts and artwork has been stolen from Russian and smuggled to the black market during the past 15 years. Interpol stated that museums in Russia had the most artwork stolen from their property, ahead of museums in France, Germany and Italy. A… Continue reading Cultural Artifacts and Artwork Stolen From Russia
Number of Cultural Artifacts Stolen in Peru
In 2011, officials in Peru seized 2,962 cultural artifacts throughout the year from being smuggled out of the country. The average number of items seized per month equaled 247 each month. In 2012, the number of artifacts and antiques seized by officials decreased to 1,870, an average of 155 per month. In the first five… Continue reading Number of Cultural Artifacts Stolen in Peru
Archaeological and Church Theft in Macedonia
The Interior Ministry reported that in a 12 year period ranging from 2001 to 2013, nearly 800 churches and 53 mosques in Macedonia have been robbed by thieves taking religious and archaeological relics. In the first four months of 2013 alone, law enforcement reported nearly 40 churches having items stolen from their property. (Additional religious… Continue reading Archaeological and Church Theft in Macedonia
Price of Confederate General’s Sword When Stolen by Grave Diggers
In the Southern United States, officials have begum to notice people digging up graves in order to steal uniforms and other items that Confederate soldiers were buried in. According to an article by the Augusta Chronicle, items stolen by grave diggers can be sold at a high price to antique collectors. A single button from the uniform of… Continue reading Price of Confederate General’s Sword When Stolen by Grave Diggers
Amount of Artwork Stolen by Nazis and Still Missing in 2013
According to art experts in Europe, as of 2013 there are still roughly 100,000 artworks that were stolen by the Nazis that are still missing. The value of the artwork based on modern-day valuations is $10 Billion. (More art crimes and theft.) Source: Patricia Cohen and Tom Mashberg, “Family, ‘Not Willing to Forget,’ Pursues Art… Continue reading Amount of Artwork Stolen by Nazis and Still Missing in 2013