The FBI is currently investigating the sale of suspected stolen treasures from the British Museum to US buyers. The British Museum reported last year that ancient gems, jewelry, and other items from its collection were missing, stolen, or damaged.
So far, 626 items out of an estimated 1,500 stolen or missing items have been recovered by the museum. The FBI has assisted in the return of 268 items that were sold to a collector in Washington DC. The museum is still in the process of proving that the recovered items belong to its collection, with many of the stolen items being uncatalogued.
A senior curator, Peter Higgs, has been accused by the British Museum of stealing, damaging, and selling ancient artifacts. Dr. Higgs denies the allegations and is currently defending the civil claim against him. The museum believes Dr. Higgs sold items to at least 45 buyers on eBay under the alias “sultan1966” or “Paul Higgins.”
Buyers who purchased items from Dr. Higgs on eBay have been contacted by the FBI for information. One buyer, Tonio Birbiglia, confirmed buying two items from Dr. Higgs and expressed shock when contacted by the FBI. The gems purchased by Mr. Birbiglia have not yet been examined by the British Museum to determine if they belong to the stolen collection.
The investigation has also revealed that items sold by Dr. Higgs may have ended up in various cities around the world, including Hamburg, Cologne, Paris, and Hong Kong. Danish antiquities dealer Dr. Ittai Gradel has tracked down some of these artifacts, including a rare 2nd Century head of the Greek hero Hercules made from obsidian.
The FBI continues to assist in the investigation, and efforts are being made to recover and return the stolen items to the British Museum. The case highlights the importance of protecting and preserving cultural heritage for future generations.
