Art Market Monitor

Global Coverage ~ Unique Analysis

  • AMMpro
  • AMM Fantasy Collecting Game
  • Podcast
  • Contact Us

Meet the FBI’s Top Art Sleuth

May 22, 2013 by Marion Maneker

Bonnie Magness-Gardiner

Bloomberg looks behind the scenes at the FBI’s National Stolen Art File led by Bonnie Magness-Gardniner:

The black-market in art “is a very large enterprise,” Magness-Gardiner said in an interview. “Stolen art, stolen antiquities move into a legitimate market very easily.”

Her office serves as a hub for federal law enforcement efforts to combat art theft. She oversees the National Stolen Art File, a database of stolen art and cultural property, as well as the FBI’s “Top Ten Art Crimes” — a Most Wanted list for historic valuables.

Made up of 14 special agents and three prosecutors, the team operates around the country, with each agent in the field overseeing a different region. The team got its start after the looting of cultural treasures in Baghdad following the U.S. invasion of Iraq and has cultivated international ties as it does its work.

To date, the team has recovered more than 2,650 items with a value of more than $150 million, according to the FBI.

Purloined Picassos Chased by FBI Art Sleuths for Wealthy (Bloomberg)

More from Art Market Monitor

  • Indian Art Eyes Chinese Success with EnvyIndian Art Eyes Chinese Success with Envy
  • How the Tate Turned Around LondonHow the Tate Turned Around London
  • Gold Up 7% This Year, An Art Market Tell?Gold Up 7% This Year, An Art Market Tell?
  • Los Angeles Modern Spring = $4.1MLos Angeles Modern Spring = $4.1M
  • Indian Art Market Forges AheadIndian Art Market Forges Ahead
  • Lost in Translation: Should Directionless Private Collections, Driven by Enthusiasm and Sociability, Become MuseumsLost in Translation: Should Directionless Private Collections, Driven by Enthusiasm and Sociability, Become Museums

Filed Under: Fraud, Theft & Restitution

About Marion Maneker

LiveArt

Want to get Art Market Monitor‘s posts sent to you in our email? Sign up below by clicking on the Subscribe button.

  • About Us/ Contact
  • Podcast
  • AMMpro
  • Newsletter
  • FAQ

twitterfacebooksoundcloud
Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
California Privacy Rights
Do Not Sell My Personal Information
Advertise on Art Market Monitor
 

Loading Comments...