Most Innovative Companies How AI, 3D printing, and crypto are aiding and abetting art theft
Jul 31, 2025
Max Ufberg, Senior editor at Fast Company, discusses the high-stakes world of art theft and forgeries, showcasing how technology like AI and 3D printing has accelerated art crime. Priyanka Jain, cofounder of Evvy, and Katie Sturino, founder of Megababe, share their insights on developing compelling narratives to attract stakeholders and customers when launching innovative products. Their conversation highlights the challenges of engaging investors in the complex landscape of women’s health and personal care, emphasizing community involvement and education.
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Scale of Global Art Crime
- Art crime is the third largest criminal enterprise globally, behind drugs and weapons trafficking.
- Annually, around $106 billion worth of art is stolen, with only about 1.5% recovered.
Modern Art Forgery Trends
- Forgers increasingly target living artists using AI, 3D printing, and crypto for sales.
- Secondary markets lacking provenance enable rapid spread of forgeries.
Non-Invasive Art Authentication
- Altering artwork to track provenance can devalue it, even with minor physical tags.
- Touchless optical scanning provides a non-invasive means to authenticate art.
