Czech forgeries,Greek reparations, Syrian smugglingIn politics, and in India,the Charminar may not qualifyas a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Illinois, Northwestern University prepares to returna letter of Napoleon Bonaparte’s family to France. In Arizona, and Northern Arizona University encouragesthe education of Native Americans as archaeologists.
In a crossover of politics and security,Greece seeksreparations for World War II damage and return of looted antiquities. In Yemen, the Culture Minister sees cultural education as a countermeasureto extremist thought. Scrutinyof museum holding for illicitly acquired cultural artifacts intensifies. Cambodia continues the initiative to recallantiquities from foreign museums.
In economics, or collectors from China seek bargains in the art market worldwide. In China,Shanghai angles for a greater share of the auction market by welcoming Christie’s to function independently. Financial analysts continue warningsof a bubble in the art market and predictions of crash. In New York, Christie’s auction of modern art set a recordat $495 million.
In a crossover of economics and security, and in Czech Republic,forgerieshave a meaningful presence in the art market. Art is revealedas an ideal means for laundering money. The head of the FBI Art Crime Team commented on the ease by which illicitly transferred fine art and antiquities passinto the legitimate market.
In security, Interpol has targetedthe art collection of the Qaddafi family for potential seizure. In New York, and the FBI raidedan art gallery in relation to an investigation of money laundering. In Lebanon,police arrested Lebanese and Syrian nationals on smugglingof Syria antiquities.
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Source: blogspot.com