“FBI Investigates Stolen British Museum Artifacts Sale”

By Trend News Line 2024-05-27 13:25:31.

Investigation into Stolen Artifacts from British Museum

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has launched an investigation into the sale of potentially stolen artifacts from the British Museum to American buyers. Reports surfaced last year that antique jewelry and gems had gone missing from the museum and were allegedly sold to a collector in Washington D.C. The British Museum has confirmed that out of approximately 1,500 stolen or missing items, 626 have been recovered thus far.

Unrecorded Stolen Items Pose Challenge for British Museum

While the British Museum has managed to locate an additional 100 items from suspected stolen or missing artifacts, these items have not yet been returned. The majority of these stolen items were not officially recorded, which presents a significant challenge for the museum as they work to establish ownership. The FBI’s investigation is primarily focused on several stolen items that are believed to have been sold to U.S. buyers through online trade channels, making it difficult to trace the transactions.

Collaboration Between FBI and Metropolitan Police

In an effort to crack down on the illicit sale of stolen artifacts, the FBI is collaborating with the Metropolitan Police in the UK to investigate the case. One noteworthy example involves a buyer from New Orleans, Tonio Birbiglia, who purchased an amethyst gem and an orange scarab-beetle gem on eBay. The FBI later reached out to Birbiglia regarding these items, which were traced back to a seller with the ID “Sultan 1966,” linked to Dr. Peter Higgs, a former curator at the British Museum.

Former British Museum Curator Facing Allegations

According to reports from the BBC, Dr. Peter Higgs has been accused of stealing, damaging, and selling artworks over the course of the past decade. The museum alleges that Higgs pilfered around £100,000 worth of items, primarily from its storerooms, and sold them to at least 45 buyers on eBay. Despite these serious allegations, Higgs maintains his innocence and is currently embroiled in a civil lawsuit to defend himself against the accusations.

By delving deeper into the investigation surrounding the stolen artifacts from the British Museum, it becomes evident that this case is far from straightforward. The collaboration between the FBI and the Metropolitan Police underscores the seriousness of the situation, as authorities work tirelessly to uncover the truth behind the missing items. With the spotlight shining on individuals like Dr. Peter Higgs, who stands accused of art theft, the repercussions of such actions reverberate throughout the art world. As the investigation unfolds, the fate of the stolen artifacts and the individuals involved hangs in the balance, awaiting justice to be served..

1. FBI investigates stolen British Museum artifacts
2. FBI inquiry into British Museum stolen artifacts.