NCJ Number
226961
Editor(s)
Stefano Manacorda
Date Published
2009
Length
248 pages
Annotation
This book presents selected papers and contributions from the International Conference on “Organized Crime in Art and Antiquities” held in Courmayeur Mont Blanc, Italy, on December 12-14, 2008, which was attended by approximately 150 experts in this field from 27 countries and 5 continents.
Abstract
The four papers of Part I pertain to the topic, “Art and Antiquities: a Criminological Perspective.” They provide data and information on the frequency and prevalence of organized crime’s involvement in the theft and trafficking in art and antiquities, the identification and prevention of opportunities for such crime, the market in Iraqi antiquities (1980-2008), and a criminological perspective of the trafficking problem. The eight papers of Part II address the following national experiences with crimes that target art and antiquities: Iran, Italy, Afghanistan, the United States, Southeast Asia, Greece, and Turkey. The five papers of Part III focus on “International Criminal Policy Responses.” Two papers examine the role of United Nations instruments and Interpol in protecting art and antiquities as well as countering theft and illicit trafficking of such property. Other papers in this section discuss the illicit trafficking and looting of cultural property during armed conflict, as well as the roles of international obligations and domestic criminal law in protecting art and antiquities. The two papers of Part IV address the involvement of the private sector in countering theft and trafficking in art and antiquities. These papers focus on the roles of private heritage organizations and auction houses. The final section of the book offers eight conference conclusions and recommendations. The conference confirmed the involvement of organized criminal groups with transnational networks in the theft and trafficking of art and antiquities; and it recommended the creation of an international monitoring mechanism for implementing more effective prevention and enforcement measures.