Reuters Econ World Art Heists
Nov 5, 2025
In a riveting discussion, Christopher A. Marinello, CEO of Art Recovery International, shares his expertise on the shadowy world of art theft. He reveals the economic forces driving the illegal art market and why jewelry and watches are increasingly targeted over traditional paintings. Marinello explains how stolen art is laundered and sold, the methods thieves employ, and why Europe remains a hotspot for theft. He also offers critical advice for collectors on safeguarding their valuables, emphasizing the importance of due diligence and awareness in the age of social media.
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Black Market Values Are Deeply Discounted
- Stolen paintings fetch only about 5–10% of market value on the black market due to visibility and risk.
- Thieves increasingly target jewelry and watches because they can be melted, recut, or moved quickly to hide provenance.
Thieves Often Aren't Hollywood Heist Crews
- Many art thefts are committed by common thugs rather than glamorous, highly organised crews.
- Authorities sometimes underplay organised-gang involvement due to tourism and political concerns.
Shift Toward Portable, Liquid Targets
- The market is shifting from paintings to digestible valuables like rare watches, gold, and jewelry.
- These items are easier to monetise quickly by breaking down or moving them internationally.