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Man Questioned by Police in Connection with Alleged British Museum Thefts
In relation to reported theft incidents at the British Museum, a male individual has undergone questioning by officers from the Metropolitan Police.
Last week, the renowned London establishment revealed the dismissal of a staff member following reports of missing, stolen, or damaged treasures.
A spokesperson from the Metropolitan Police informed BBC News that the interview had taken place. No arrests have been executed thus far. Collaboration between the Metropolitan Police and the British Museum has been ongoing and is set to continue.
The British Museum declined to provide commentary on the ongoing questioning of the individual.
PA News Agency disclosed that the items in question — comprising gold jewelry, semi-precious stone gems, and glass objects — had disappeared prior to 2023 over a considerable span of time.
Correspondence examined by BBC News implies that an antiquities dealer had alerted the museum about items appearing for sale on eBay in 2021.
Earlier this week, Hartwig Fischer, the Museum’s Director, noted the institution’s serious consideration of concerns raised about a limited number of items two years ago.
Fischer, a German art historian who is slated to step down from his position next year, added that investigations had determined the status of those specific items. However, Fischer stated that subsequent developments suggest the concerned individual possessed a substantially larger quantity of items, information that was not conveyed to the museum — a circumstance causing frustration as it could have aided ongoing investigations.
Fischer disclosed that a comprehensive audit was initiated in 2022, ultimately revealing a more extensive issue. Following this discovery, the police were notified, leading to the initiation of a disciplinary procedure that culminated in the termination of a staff member’s employment.
In response, art dealer Ittai Gradel refuted the claim that he withheld information from the British Museum. He asserted his willingness to cooperate with the museum and provide any necessary information, yet stated that he had not been contacted by them. Gradel highlighted that he had made his willingness to assist clear in his communication with the museum.