The Jordan Harbinger Show 401: Robert Wittman | The Undercover Hunt for Stolen Art
Sep 8, 2020
Robert Wittman, former senior investigator and creator of the FBI's National Art Crime Team, shares insights on the $6 billion art crime industry. He explains why art is a favored target for criminals over drugs and guns, highlighting the importance of provenance and authenticity in valuing art. Wittman recounts the emotional toll of undercover work, detailing his tactics for remaining hidden in plain sight and the psychological challenges he faced. He also contrasts the U.S.'s late start in art crime investigations with Europe’s long-standing efforts, including Italy's unique art crime submarine.
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Art Crime's Big Business
- Art crime is a lucrative, $6 billion industry, driven by the increasing value of art.
- Criminals favor smaller, portable pieces worth millions due to their ease of smuggling.
Why Criminals Target Art
- Art is less risky to smuggle than drugs or guns because it's not inherently illegal.
- Criminals often struggle to sell stolen masterpieces due to difficulties in proving ownership (good title).
Italy's Art Crime Submarine
- Italy's art crime team uses a submarine to investigate underwater antiquity sites.
- This protects national treasures from theft by those aware of shipwreck locations.
