A leading expert in recovering stolen works of art has informed Sky News that it was only a matter of time before the Louvre was targeted, and UK museums could be next.
Christopher Marinello explains that criminal groups have become more daring in their attacks due to the weakened state of law enforcement.
While the media has focused on thieves stealing priceless jewelry from a renowned French institution, Marinello warns that this issue extends beyond Paris.
He stated: «Gangs are active all across Europe, and not enough is being done to thwart them… this was bound to happen sooner or later, as they have already targeted smaller museums.
«If they can successfully target the Louvre, they can target anything. Do you know how many museums there are in the UK?»
In early October, thieves managed to steal irreplaceable Bronze Age jewelry from the St Fagans National Museum of History in Wales in just four minutes.
Marinello reveals that gangs target gold for melting and diamonds for their value, showing no regard for the cultural heritage and integrity of the artworks they are destroying.
A museum spokesperson expressed empathy for the Louvre and highlighted the increased risk faced by institutions like theirs, posing the dilemma of displaying items for public enjoyment and learning versus keeping them secure.
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Louvre: How ‘heist of the century’ unfolded
Marinello, who investigates art crimes ignored by law enforcement, stresses the urgent need for institutions and historic houses to acknowledge the situation.
«They must begin constructing secure vaults for these objects, or they will continue to be stolen and used for illicit purposes,» he cautioned.
«If smaller museums cannot afford this, they may need to consider consolidating collections with better-equipped museums.»
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Empress Eugenie’s tiara was among the jewelry stolen.
A well-known expert in art recovery has expressed to Sky News that it was inevitable for the Louvre to be targeted, and museums in the UK could be at risk next.
Christopher Marinello has raised concerns that criminal gangs feel emboldened to commit thefts due to the decline in law enforcement efforts.
While recent news has focused on stolen jewelry from a famous French establishment, Marinello emphasizes that this issue extends beyond Paris.
He stated: «Across Europe, criminal groups are operating with little resistance… this was bound to happen, they have been targeting smaller museums.
«If they can successfully target the Louvre, no museum is safe. How many museums are there in the UK?» These valuable items, especially gold, are currently at an all-time high in terms of worth. The escalating prices of gold have made these items even more sought after, not just by collectors but also by criminals looking to make a quick profit. According to a prominent expert in recovering stolen works of art, Christopher Marinello, thieves are primarily interested in the monetary value of these items rather than their historical or cultural significance.
Marinello warns that law enforcement’s dwindling resources have emboldened criminal gangs to target renowned institutions like the Louvre in Paris. However, he emphasizes that this issue is not limited to Paris alone, as gangs are operating across Europe with impunity. The recent theft at the St Fagans National Museum of History in Wales, where Bronze Age jewelry was stolen in just four minutes, serves as a stark reminder of the audacity and efficiency of these criminals.
The motive behind these thefts is clear – gold is targeted for its melt-down value, while diamonds are sought after for their monetary worth. The spokesperson for the museum affected by the theft expressed sympathy for the Louvre and highlighted the difficult choice institutions face between displaying valuable items for public enjoyment and safety concerns.
Marinello’s work involves investigating art crimes that law enforcement agencies may not prioritize. He stresses the urgent need for institutions and stately homes to enhance their security measures, including building secure vaults to protect valuable objects. Failure to do so could result in these items being melted down for profit, further contributing to the loss of cultural heritage.
In light of these escalating threats, Marinello suggests that smaller museums may need to consider consolidating their collections with larger, more secure institutions. This consolidation could help ensure the safety and preservation of valuable artworks and artifacts, preventing them from falling into the hands of criminals.
The recent spate of thefts targeting museums and cultural institutions underscores the need for a coordinated effort to combat art crime. By raising awareness about the risks and vulnerabilities faced by these institutions, Marinello hopes to prevent further losses and preserve the rich cultural heritage that these objects represent.
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Por Michael Bunting
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