FBI's Top Ten Art Crimes

The FBI's Art Crime Team has announced a list of Top Ten Art Crimes, criminal cases that represent thefts of an estimate $600 million in stolen art which is considered priceless in terms of cultural value.

According to the FBI, these are the Top Ten Art Crimes:

• Iraqi Looted and Stolen Artifacts

• The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Theft

• The Swedish National Museum Theft

• Theft of Munch's The Scream

• Theft of the Cellini Salt Cellar (pictured)

• Theft of Caravaggio's Nativity with San Lorenzo and San Francisco

• Theft of the Davidoff-Morini Stradivarius

• The Van Gogh Museum Robbery

• Theft of Cezanne's View of Auvers-sur-Oise

• Theft of Da Vinci's Madonna of the Yarnwinder

The announcement of the Top Ten list coincides with an overall restructuring of the Art Theft Program web site. FBI Assistant Director Chris Swecker, Criminal Investigative Division, said the new web site initiative will enhance investigation and recovery of art pieces, and help to bring responsible individuals to justice.

"What is notable with these thefts is their value to world cultural heritage . Disseminating information about these crimes through the web site will bring them to the attention of the broadest possible public. We hope this encourages people with information to submit it to the tip line," said Swecker.

The Art Crime Team was established in November of 2004. Since that time, the ACT has been involved in the recovery of more than 100 items of art and cultural property, valued at more than $40 million.

Source: FBI News Release

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