Stolen British Museum treasures offered on eBay

author: FutureCar Staff    

It has been revealed that stolen treasures from the British Museum, valued at £50,000, were sold on eBay for just £40. The thefts were suspected by an antiquities expert who informed the museum three years ago that a staff member may be involved. An internal investigation led to the dismissal of Peter Higgs, a curator who had worked at the museum for over 30 years. The museum's failure to catalog all eight million pieces in its collection made it easier for the thefts to occur. The police are now investigating the thefts, and the museum is facing criticism for allowing the organized pilfering to continue for so long.

Prof Martin Henig, a specialist on Roman art at the University of Oxford, pointed out that many smaller pieces in the museum's collection were not included in its online inventory. This lack of proper cataloging made it difficult to track the stolen items. Peter Higgs denies any wrongdoing and his family states that he is devastated by the loss of his job. Former Chancellor George Osborne, who is the chairman of the museum, has commissioned an independent review to determine which items were stolen, how they can be recovered, and how to prevent future thefts.

Among the stolen items are gold, semi-precious stones, and glass artifacts dating from 1,500BC to the 19th century. One item, a Roman piece of jewelry made from Onyx, was listed on eBay with a starting bid of £40 in 2016. Its true value is estimated to be between £25,000 and £50,000. The British Museum has conducted a thorough investigation and has identified the person believed to be responsible, who has since been dismissed. The museum is now taking further actions to ensure that such incidents never happen again.

There are concerns that the stolen items may already be in the hands of private collectors or have been melted down for quick cash. Christopher Marinello, a lawyer and expert in recovering stolen art, emphasized the importance of properly vetting museum employees and implementing strict security measures. He also questioned the safety of the Elgin Marbles, which are currently housed in the British Museum. The museum has announced an independent review of its security measures and is determined to recover the stolen items.

The stolen items were primarily kept for research purposes and were not on public display. The thefts are believed to have occurred over a long period of time, and the exact extent of the damage is still unknown. The museum has pledged to make the recovery of the stolen items a top priority, and an independent review will provide recommendations for future security arrangements. The museum director and trustees have expressed their determination to right the wrongs and prevent such incidents from happening again.

FutureCar Staff