Analysis of Recent Art Crimes

Nikos Passas, a Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Northeastern University, discusses art crimes and the diminishing consequences for such acts.

Case Study: Louvre Event

• The group involved in the Louvre heist used simplistic methods to bypass advanced security systems.
• They conducted the crime during daylight hours, managing to steal items within approximately seven minutes, and escaped using e-bikes.
• The ease with which they bypassed the security systems is noteworthy.

Composition of Criminal Groups

• The visible perpetrators are those who execute the theft, but there may be invisible accomplices providing inside information through connections or bribery.
• The stolen items' high value suggests potential involvement of affluent clients or individuals who ordered these articles.
• Art crime networks often operate with minimal regulation, involving individuals from diverse economic backgrounds.

Mapping the Underworld Economy

• Major financial hubs like London, Switzerland, New York, Dubai, and Beijing are also centers for art collection.
• Art-rich countries, often vulnerable due to conflict or colonial history, are sources of stolen art.
• Participants range from diplomatic figures to private collectors, with a small portion of stolen art recovered and returned.

Financial Dynamics of Transnational Art Crimes

• Art laundering occurs in art and financial centers, with money moving through complex financial mechanisms to avoid detection.
• Techniques include real estate, derivatives, imports and exports, cryptocurrency, and trade-related money laundering.

Globalisation and Criminogenic Asymmetries

• Globalisation increases interdependencies between diverse societies, creating opportunities for misconduct through asymmetries.
• Asymmetries lead to 'lawful but awful practices,' where activities legal in one country are criminal in another.
• Lack of international cooperation and increased nationalism weakens enforcement, leading to a phenomenon termed 'global anomie.'
• The reduction in deterrence suggests that crime can pay, particularly when influenced by power asymmetries.