
The Art Angle Art World Infamy: Inigo Philbrick – Nowhere to Run (Ep. 4)
Oct 21, 2025
Andrew Adams, a seasoned prosecutor with a focus on art-related financial crimes, shares insights on the dramatic capture of dealer Inigo Philbrick in Vanuatu. He discusses the DOJ and FBI's unique approaches to investigating art fraud, including the importance of financial trails and victim tips. As Philbrick faces charges for a staggering $86 million fraud, the conversation dives into the repercussions of his actions and whether he could ever regain his place in the art world. The episode illuminates the evolving landscape of money laundering in the art industry.
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Hidden Life In Vanuatu
- Inigo Philbrick lived quietly in Vanuatu, befriending locals and adopting a puppy while evading authorities.
- Neighbors described him as generous and nicknamed him "Man Mele."
Fraud Revealed By Paper Trail
- Investigators found a paper and electronic trail showing a long-running scheme to defraud multiple art-market players.
- Philbrick lied to obtain sales, funding, and loans across years of transactions.
Established Federal Art Enforcement
- The FBI has a dedicated art crime team and prosecutors in Manhattan focus heavily on cultural property cases.
- Federal resources have long targeted forgeries, thefts, and frauds in the art world.



