"Gradel first wrote to the museum in 2021, explaining he had found proof that precious objects under its care were being sold on eBay. His correspondence named the British Museum's senior curator Peter Higgs, as the person he believed was behind the sales."
"In January 2023, the British Museum reported to the police that it had conducted its own research and that hundreds of items from the collection had been stolen or severely damaged, mainly ancient Greek jewels."
"On 25 August 2023, Fischer announced his immediate resignation, on the grounds that the British Museum 'did not respond as comprehensively as it should have in response to the warnings in 2021'."
Itaii Gradel, a Danish classical gems specialist, died at 61 after revealing that hundreds of objects were stolen from the British Museum. His findings prompted the resignation of museum director Hartwig Fischer. Gradel initially contacted the museum in 2021 about items being sold on eBay, but his concerns were dismissed. A police investigation began in January 2023 after the museum acknowledged the thefts. As of now, 1,500 items are confirmed stolen, with ongoing inquiries and no arrests made yet.
Read at The Art Newspaper - International art news and events
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