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Art Crime: Looting and Destruction of the World’s Ancient Treasures with Robert Wittman

Art Crime: Looting and Destruction of the World’s Ancient Treasures with Robert Wittman


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Can't make this time? A video recording will be sent to all participants after the seminar.

Join Robert Wittman on his journey around the world as the Senior Investigator and founder of the FBI National Art Crime Team – catching and convicting the tomb robbers, thieves, looters, and criminals who are the financial engine of the international illicit artifact industry. 
During this interactive seminar, Mr. Wittman lifts the veil of government secrecy about tomb robbers in Peru smuggling through Miami, the recovery of stolen artifacts taken from the Baghdad Museum during the Iraq War, and the destruction of ancient artifacts by ISIS and the Taliban. This seminar is ripped from the front pages of today’s newspapers.
Led by an expert on art fraud, award-winning author, and former FBI agent, Robert K. Wittman, this interactive seminar will explore the multi-billion-dollar industry surrounding modern-day treasure hunting. Join us to hear about his illustrious career in the FBI National Art Crime Team and the many national treasures he has rescued from destruction and stealth. 
This conversation is part of a multi-part series with Robert Wittman. Each session is designed to be enjoyed as a stand-alone seminar or as part of the extended Art Crime series.

Robert K. Wittman joined the FBI as a Special Agent in 1988. As a result of specialized training in art, antiques, jewelry and gem identification, he served as the FBI's investigative expert involving cultural property crime. During his 20 year FBI career he recovered more than $300 million worth of stolen art and cultural property which resulted in numerous prosecutions and convictions. As a result of his unique experience Mr. Wittman coauthored the FBI Cultural Property Investigative Manual in 2001. In 2005, he created the FBI's rapid deployment national Art Crime Team (ACT). Mr. Wittman has represented the United States throughout the world conducting investigations and instructing international police and museums in recovery and use of high value asset security techniques. Mr. Wittman is the recipient of numerous awards and commendations including the Order of Merit for Distinguished Service-Officer Level, presented by the President of Peru, the White Cross of Law Enforcement Merit with Distinction, by the government of Spain, Director's Award for Outstanding Contributions in Law Enforcement from the U.S. Department of Justice, Robert Burke Award for Cultural Property Protection from the Smithsonian Institution, and the S.A.F.E Beacon Award from Saving Antiquities for Everyone. In 2010, Mr. Wittman penned his New York Times bestselling memoir “PRICELESS: How I Went Undercover to Rescue the World's Stolen Treasures.” His second book, “THE DEVIL'S DIARY: Alfred Rosenberg and the Stolen Secrets of the Third Reich” is a worldwide best seller published in 29 languages in more than 30 countries.

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 4 reviews
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D
D.B. (Philadelphia, US)
Fascinating & Informative

This was my first seminar with Robert Wittman and it's clear that he is an expert and has a ton of knowledge regarding these topics. His background is impressive enough, founding the art crimes dept of the FBI, but I learned even more about the art crime world and what drives it. I would highly recommend.

M
M. (Silver Spring, US)
Behind-the-scenes look at catching thieves

Have read a book by Wittman. But, there's nothing like hearing his stories. 3 great art crimes, wished there was time for more

S
Susan G (Wilmette, US)
Fascinating

Bob Wittman never disappoints ... his seminars are intriguing, informative and loads of fun. I always look forward to hearing his fascinating encounters with the criminals of the art world!

J
Julie Goldman (San Francisco, US)
Looting ancient treasures with Robert Wittman

I love Mr Wittman’s seminars. They are fascinating and he has a very nice easy demeanor

Customer Reviews

Based on 4 reviews
100%
(4)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
D
D.B. (Philadelphia, US)
Fascinating & Informative

This was my first seminar with Robert Wittman and it's clear that he is an expert and has a ton of knowledge regarding these topics. His background is impressive enough, founding the art crimes dept of the FBI, but I learned even more about the art crime world and what drives it. I would highly recommend.

M
M. (Silver Spring, US)
Behind-the-scenes look at catching thieves

Have read a book by Wittman. But, there's nothing like hearing his stories. 3 great art crimes, wished there was time for more

S
Susan G (Wilmette, US)
Fascinating

Bob Wittman never disappoints ... his seminars are intriguing, informative and loads of fun. I always look forward to hearing his fascinating encounters with the criminals of the art world!

J
Julie Goldman (San Francisco, US)
Looting ancient treasures with Robert Wittman

I love Mr Wittman’s seminars. They are fascinating and he has a very nice easy demeanor