Current:Home > ScamsFastexy Exchange|British Museum seeks public help in finding stolen artifacts -WealthEngine
Fastexy Exchange|British Museum seeks public help in finding stolen artifacts
Poinbank Exchange View
Date:2025-04-07 20:22:30
LONDON -- Please return if found: Hundreds of missing artifacts formerly housed in a museum in central London.
The Fastexy ExchangeBritish Museum has issued a plea to the public to assist in the recovery of ancient artifacts reported stolen or missing from its collection.
The museum -- which announced on Aug. 16 that the Metropolitan Police were investigating "a number of items" found to be "stolen, missing or damaged" -- is now appealing to anyone who may have seen the items to get in touch.
Sixty items have been returned thus far, the museum said in a statement sent to ABC News. Three-hundred more are "due to be returned imminently."
The announcement comes after British Museum Chairman George Osborne disclosed in August that "around 2,000" artifacts had been stolen from the museum's storerooms by a suspected museum curator.
The scandal, which has been called an "embarrassment" for the institution, triggered the resignation of British Museum Director Hartwig Fischer.
"The trustees of the British Museum were extremely concerned when we learnt earlier this year that items of the collection had been stolen," Osborne said in a statement. "Our priority is now threefold: first, to recover the stolen items; second, to find out what, if anything, could have been done to stop this; and third, to do whatever it takes, with investment in security and collection records, to make sure this doesn't happen again."
The items the museum is seeking include "gold jewellery, and gems of semi-precious stones and glass" dating back to the 15th century B.C. and the 19th century A.D.
None of the items has recently been on public display, said the museum.
Although the museum is not sharing details of the lost and damaged items following advice from "recovery specialists," the museum announced the majority of the stolen items are from the Department of Greece and Rome, "mainly falling into the categories of gems and jewellery."
The museum also announced that some of the items had been placed on the Art Loss Register -- the world's largest private database of stolen art, antiques and collectables. "This will ensure that if the stolen pieces appear in the over 400,000 items a year that are checked by them, they will be identified," the museum said.
An international panel of "leading specialists" in the field of identification and recovery of stolen items is also working the case.
Prior to the public appeal, investigations into the missing items had been taking place behind closed doors in partnership with the Metropolitan police. In a statement sent to ABC News, the Metropolitan police confirmed one man had been interviewed on Aug. 23 in relation to the thefts. He was placed "under caution," having voluntarily attended a police station.
The Metropolitan police told ABC News inquiries into the missing objects continue.
Many have pointed out the irony of the British Museum -- which has come under scrutiny to return artifacts in their possession to their country of origin -- seeking public assistance in retrieving stolen artefacts.
In August, the British Museum announced it will return 72 artifacts that were looted in 1897 -- including Benin Bronzes -- to the Nigerian government.
The British Museum is also entangled in a debate with Greek authorities over ownership of the famous Pantheon Sculptures, which were taken from the Pantheon between 1801 and 1805.
"Sir Nigel Boardman and I continue to work closely with the British Museum, other organisations and specialists in this area to recover stolen items and return them to the British Museum's collection," said Lucy D'Orsi, joint chair of the Independent Review. "We are very grateful for the support we have received."
veryGood! (56)
Related
- Skins Game to make return to Thanksgiving week with a modern look
- Lab chief faces sentencing in Michigan 12 years after fatal US meningitis outbreak
- A disease killing beavers in Utah can also affect humans, authorities say
- Alabama children who were focus of Amber Alert, abduction investigation, found safe
- House passes bill to add 66 new federal judgeships, but prospects murky after Biden veto threat
- Missouri mother accused of allowing 8-year-old son to drive after drinking too much
- USA Basketball fills the 12 available slots for the Paris Olympics roster, AP sources say
- Who will be the No. 1 pick of the 2024 NFL draft? Who's on the clock first? What to know.
- Trump suggestion that Egypt, Jordan absorb Palestinians from Gaza draws rejections, confusion
- Kate Hudson addresses criticism of brother Oliver Hudson after Goldie Hawn comments
Ranking
- SFO's new sensory room helps neurodivergent travelers fight flying jitters
- Two best friends are $1 million richer after winning the Powerball prize in New Jersey
- Golden State Warriors to miss NBA playoffs after play-in loss to Sacramento Kings
- A Washington State Coal Plant Has to Close Next Year. Can Pennsylvania Communities Learn From Centralia’s Transition?
- What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?
- Influencer photographs husband to recreate Taylor Swift's album covers
- The Latest | Iran president warns of ‘massive’ response if Israel launches ‘tiniest invasion’
- We Found Cute Kate Spade Mother’s Day Gifts That Will Instantly Make You the Favorite—and They're On Sale
Recommendation
Charges tied to China weigh on GM in Q4, but profit and revenue top expectations
Olivia Munn Details Medically Induced Menopause After “Terrifying” Breast Cancer Journey
Breaking Down JoJo Siwa and Lil Tay’s Feud
Tornadoes cause damage in Kansas and Iowa as severe storms hit Midwest
Rolling Loud 2024: Lineup, how to stream the world's largest hip hop music festival
Appeals court overturns West Virginia law banning transgender girls from sports teams
New Pringle-themed Crocs will bring you one step closer to combining 'flavor' and 'fashion'
Olympic champion Suni Lee back in form after gaining 45 pounds in water weight due to kidney ailment