FBI Interview
The following information was obtained during a telephone interview with a member of the FBI on March 20, 2008. To respect the privacy of this individual, their identity will remain anonymous.Q: When was the FBI Art Theft Team Established?
A: The FBI Art Theft Team was established in 2004.
Q: How big of a priority is working on art theft cases?
A: Highest priority crimes are violent crimes/terrorism/drug-trafficking. Art theft is in a mid-level priority.
Q: When an art piece is stolen what is the FBI’s course of action?
A: When a piece is first stolen, it is reported to the local police. If the case is of a high profile it will eventually end up under the investigation of the FBI.
A case falls under the jurisdiction of the FBI when it meets the following criteria:
For cultural property owned by on individual: according to the National Stolen Property Act if a piece crosses over state lines and it exceeds the value of $5,000.
For cultural property owned by institutions (museums, art galleries, universities): according to the Theft of Major Artwork Statute if the piece is over 100 years old and exceeds the value of $5,000 or if the piece is under 100 years old and exceeds the value of $100,000.
Q: What percentage of pieces are recovered when reported to the FBI?
A: It is very difficult to track down stolen pieces cultural property. Only about 5% of art theft crimes are reported to the FBI.
Q: What is the average value of cultural property stolen per year around the world?
A: The FBI estimates that around $6 billion of cultural property is stolen per year. However, this figure is a very rough estimate because many of the crimes are unreported. This number may also vary from year to year.
Q: How does art theft compare to other international crimes such as drug trafficking or human rights violations?
A: Art theft is obviously a lower priority then violent crimes; however it does come with a high price tag because it involves stolen/damaged property.
Q: What is the most important case the FBI Art Theft Team has ever dealt with?
A: The 1990 theft of several exhibits from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, Massachusetts is the largest case the FBI Art Theft team has every dealt with. It is estimated that the stolen pieces are valued at over $300 million.
Q: What are the leading causes for art theft?
A: Financial greed is the main reason for art theft.
Q: What international organizations does the FBI work with to solve art theft cases?
A: The FBI works very closely with Interpol and other foreign national police services.
Q: How has the Internet affected the way the illicit art trade?
A: The Internet has had both a positive and negative effect on the illicit art trade. The Internet has made it less difficult for criminals to sell stolen artifacts; however this information can be logged and tracked by authorities, making them easier to find.
Q: Who should people contact if they have any information/tips to report to the FBI?
A: Contact your local authorities if you have any information about any stolen art. If information is found to be relevant to any existing cases it will be given to the right people at the FBI.