Embassy Events 2004

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The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is working with the Polish National Police to crack down on the theft of valuable artworks. Special Agent Bob Wittman is training the police force at a seminar in Warsaw November 3 to 5.

"Cultural property theft is the fourth largest international crime in the world," according to Wittman. He says that more than 100,000 artworks worldwide are listed as stolen. In fact, he notes, about one-quarter of all the art in Europe has been stolen at some point over the years.

In Poland -- and throughout Eastern and Central Europe -- churches are the primary source for thieves. "Artwork, icons, painted church glass are the biggest targets," says Wittman.

Wittman is one of several speakers who will be working with the National Police. "We're hoping to set up avenues of cooperation. We can help them get their artifacts backfrom the U.S., and we're going to let them know how they can try to prevent future theft."

Wittman says petty criminals are the ones who steal artwork, though there are criminal rings.

An estimated 30% of missing artworks are recovered outside of the country where they were stolen. Wittman says that's why it's essential that both U.S. and Polish investigators work together. "They can request our help here [in Poland]. They can request our help in the U.S.," he says.

In 1994 it became a U.S. federal offense to steal items of cultural heritage from a museum. Those items are defined as anything owned and exhibited that's more than 100 years old and valued at $5000 or more, or less than 100 years old and valued at more than $100,000.