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None of the world’s top authorities able to supply accurate global data on cultural goods trafficking
Despite myriad figures for illicit trade worth billions or even tens of billions of dollars, no one can point to any reliable source for claims A survey of a dozen of the world’s top law enforcement agencies and government departments has revealed that none of them...
How the BBC helped Ittai Gradel crack the British Museum thefts – Chalke Valley Festival revelations
On June 25, The Chalke Valley History Festival played host to a BBC seminar on the thefts from the British Museum. BBC Culture Editor Katies Razzall and her team of investigators shared a platform with whistleblower Dr Ittai Gradel in front of a packed audience as they told the tale of how the thefts came to light and Dr Gradel’s pivotal role in exposing them.
UK trade plan June 28 seminar as new EU import law fears grow
Leading art market lawyer says new regulation will risk isolating the EU culturally British trade associations concerned about impending EU legislation that will affect UK exports will brief dealers on the changes at a seminar in London on June 28. Titled The...
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The EU’s new art market clampdown is neither just nor proportionate – if only we could sue
Supranational authority’s failure to join the European Convention of Human Rights – despite promising to 15 years ago – protects it from legal action by citizens unfairly suffering under import licensing law Although every member state is a signatory to the European...
Where do ethics, morals and the law really lie in India’s claim to the Piprahwa gem relics?
Sotheby’s proposed sale acts as a useful study in the dispute over rights between nations and individuals when it comes to cultural property Much in the news has been Sotheby’s proposed (and then suspended) sale of the Piprahwa Gems, a collection of gem relic...
Why the World Customs Organisation’s claims about cultural goods trafficking don’t add up
The World Customs Organisation (WCO) finally seems to have all but given up when it comes to an accurate and detailed analysis of trafficking and the art market, if its 2022 and 2023 Illicit Trade Reports are anything to go by. Several wild claims of trafficking worth...