Man questioned about theft of 1,500 artefacts from British Museum as authorities worry...

author: FutureCar Staff    

Police have interviewed a man in connection with the theft of 1,500 artefacts from the British Museum. The missing items include gold jewellery, glass, and semi-precious stones, some of which date back over 3,000 years. It is believed that the artefacts were gradually moved out of the museum prior to this year. The Metropolitan Police have stated that no arrests have been made and their inquiries are ongoing. The British Museum has also launched its own investigation into the thefts.

Following the revelation of the thefts, the director of the British Museum, Hartwig Fischer, has spoken out for the first time. Fischer revealed that the dealer who initially reported the stolen artefacts had many more items from the museum in his possession. Fischer expressed frustration that this information was not disclosed earlier as it would have aided their investigations. The museum conducted a full audit in 2022, which uncovered a larger problem. The concerns were reported to the trustees, resulting in the dismissal of a staff member. Fischer emphasized that the care of the museum's collection remains a top priority, and they are committed to learning from the independent review, assisting the police with their investigation, and focusing on the recovery program.

The British Museum has initiated an independent review of its security measures. It is believed that the thief had been operating for approximately two decades. Reports suggest that the stolen items were not publicly displayed and often not properly catalogued, which the offender took advantage of. According to a police source, many of the stolen items were sold for a few hundred pounds, while some were melted down. The source cited an example where a ring was taken, but the gem was removed, leaving only the gold behind.

FutureCar Staff