Art Crime Detective Arthur Brand Warns: 'All Museums Have Been, and Will Be, Victims of Theft'

In an interview with François Picard, art crime detective Arthur Brand discusses the evolving nature of international art theft. He notes that in the past, thieves targeted unique paintings, but in the last decade, they have increasingly focused on objects made of gold, silver, and gemstones that can be dismantled and sold more easily. Brand warns that 'all museums have been, and will be, victims of theft,' highlighting the vulnerability of cultural institutions. He examines how criminal opportunism has become more sophisticated, shifting attention from irreplaceable artworks to precious metals. The interview sheds light on the challenges facing law enforcement and museums in protecting cultural heritage. Brand's insights offer a rare glimpse into the world of art crime and the measures needed to combat it.