Art Market Monitor

Global Coverage ~ Unique Analysis

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

Law Enforcement Scores Publicity Points at Antiquities Dealers’ and Market’s Expense

March 17, 2016 by Marion Maneker

The NYTimes gives voice to some of the frustrated galleries who feel they’re being unfairly treated in the seizures of suspected antiquities:

“Why are they not approaching these galleries instead of treating them like criminals trying to do something underhanded,” he said. The items seized this week were all publicized by their vendors online and in catalogs, he said, not sneaked “in to be sold in some smoky back room.”

The seizures are part of Operation Hidden Idol, a nine-year investigation into antiquities smuggling that officials say has netted more than 2,600 items and reams of data about illicit trafficking. Typically, the authorities say, the smugglers create false paperwork to certify an object was acquired lawfully, often fooling purchasers and other dealers down the line.

The Manhattan district attorney, Cyrus R. Vance, said the raids ensured that items could be confiscated and that alerting dealers beforehand might send the objects underground. Many seized items have been returned to their countries of origin.

Law Enforcement Focuses on Asia Week in Inquiry of Antiquities Smuggling (The New York Times)

More from Art Market Monitor

  • Zhukova's Other ProjectZhukova's Other Project
  • Despite Early Technical Glitches, Galleries Report Steady Sales in Art Basel Hong Kong’s Online FairDespite Early Technical Glitches, Galleries Report Steady Sales in Art Basel Hong Kong’s Online Fair
  • Sotheby’s Puts Real Estate, Classic Car, Jewelry and Watches Under One ExecutiveSotheby’s Puts Real Estate, Classic Car, Jewelry and Watches Under One Executive
  • Bonhams to Show Richard Lin Work in HK this March for May SaleBonhams to Show Richard Lin Work in HK this March for May Sale
  • First Late Picasso, Now EarlyFirst Late Picasso, Now Early
  • Phillips Comes Up In Rank with $111m SalePhillips Comes Up In Rank with $111m Sale

Filed Under: General

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