16 WAYS TO CATCH A THIEF

A report prepared by the UK’s Illicit Trade Advisory Panel has recommended 16 measures to crack down on the rampant international smuggling of cultural art and antiquities. (Britain currently accounts for 30% of the global market in stolen artifacts.) Foremost among the recommendations is that Britain accede to the Unesco convention already signed by 91 other countries banning the international trade in stolen art and antiquities. – Financial Times

  • A SIGNED TREATY MIGHT HELP: After 30 years of objections, the British government is now likely to sign the Unesco convention. “The worldwide trade is worth billions, and Interpol and other police agencies believe drug barons and other criminals are laundering profits through stolen antiquities.” – The Guardian