Stolen Art Watch, Shakespeare Folio, Elaborate Extortion Plan Swings into Action !!!

My innocent role in Shakespeare drama

Published Date:

http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/My-innocent-role-in-Shakespeare.4285133.jp
14 July 2008
By Ross Robertson

A collector arrested over the theft of a rare Shakespeare manuscript worth more than £15million today insisted he was innocent.

Raymond Scott, 51, was released on bail at the weekend after being interviewed by detectives over a first folio of a collection of works by The Bard, which disappeared a decade ago from Durham University library.

But the eccentric dealer, who lives in Wigeon Close, Albany, Washington, with his 81-year-old mother Hannah, said the book seized by police was not the one stolen from Durham, but was, in fact, bought in Cuba.

"I have done nothing wrong at all," he said. "There are questions over the rarity of this book.

"In July 2006 a copy was sold at Sotheby's. It is by no means a unique item.

"I have done nothing wrong. I came by the manuscript through contacts in Cuba and took it to the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington DC."

Mr Scott said he had even suggested that the Washington Post newspaper be contacted about the discovery, which he said was "not the act of a person with something to hide."

He said: "I'm afraid the celebrations at the University of Durham were premature. It is not the manuscript that was stolen.

"The police are welcome to ask me anything, including my inside leg measurement, which, for the record, is 31-and-a-half inches, but I have not done anything wrong at all."

Mr Scott said boxes of books were taken from his home by police as part of the investigation, but added most of them were new and could be bought from a high street bookseller.

It is believed police also took the 51-year-old's yellow Ferrari away
The incident has shocked neighbours in the sleepy suburban street.

They describe Mr Scott as an eccentric who could often be seen preening his classic sports cars – including a rare Ferrari Dino – wearing a silk dressing gown, sun glasses and rubber marigold gloves.

"I wear them because I have sensitive skin. I don't see anything wrong in that.

"I have also been described as a Walter Mitty, which I am not. If I'd wanted to spin out a tale I would still be in the police station now.

"I was also described by someone as having a love for Armani suits. I have many fine suits, but I am not fond of Georgio Armani."

* THE first folio edition of a collection of the works of William Shakespeare, published in 1623, was one of a number of manuscripts and books stolen from Durham University library in December 1998.

Police in Durham were alerted by the British Embassy in the United States two weeks ago after a man asked the respected library in Washington DC to verify if the book was genuine.

A police spokesman said: "It is understood he told staff he was an international businessman who had bought the folio in Cuba and agreed to leave it with the library for research to be carried out."

Other items that disappeared in the Palace Green library raid were an early handwritten manuscript bearing an English translation of the New Testament dating from the late 14th or early 15th century and a handwritten manuscript of the same period containing a fragment of a poem written by Geoffrey Chaucer. author of the Canterbury Tales.

Books included two works by the 10th Century scholar Aelfric that were printed in 1566, a first edition version of Beowulf printed in 1815 and a 1612 book of maps and poetry.

The stolen items were among more than 50 exhibits charting the progress of English literature from the Middle Ages to the 20th century which had been on public show in two rooms of the library.

When the items were stolen they were described as a "unique and irreplaceable part of the region's heritage" and would be virtually impossible to sell to legitimate buyers.

The full article contains 657 words and appears in Sunderland Echo newspaper.

Art Hostage comments:

Art Hostage has learnt from an inside source close to Raymond Scott that this whole episode is all part of an elaborate extortion plan whereby the Durham University will not be able to positively identify this copy as their stolen Shakespeare Folio.

Raymond Scott and accomplices have scoured the folio and are satisfied there no identifying marks that could distinguish it as the Durham University copy.

So, now there will be a court case and hopefully for Raymond Scott and gang the Durham University will make an offer to settle out of court for several million dollars.

Even if the case were to go to court the outcome is not clear unless the Durham University can prove this indeed their stolen Shakespeare folio.

Raymond Scott's love of Cigar's, Dom Perignon champagne and a young naive poor Cuban girlfriend do not enhance the reputation needed to pull this scam off.

Raymond Scott would have been better to have played the conservative book dealer quietly going about his business.

Nice attempt Raymond Scott, too bad Art Hostage is not only one step ahead of you guys, but a whole zip/post code !!

Seems this Cuban girl is less than enthusiastic about the attentions of Raymond Scott, something lecherous about him pawing this unfortunate girl don't you think ?????

Stolen Art Watch, Shakespeare First Edition Appears Like Magic !!

Stolen 17th century First Folio Shakespeare recovered

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/2287619/Stolen-17th-century-First-Folio-Shakespeare-recovered.html

By Richard Alleyne and Paul Stokes

A £15 million First Folio edition of the complete works of Shakespeare stolen 10 years ago from a British university has been recovered after an English book dealer handed it into an American library.

The anthology, printed in 1623, seven years after the bard's death, is described as "the most important printed book in the English language" and was among a number of manuscripts taken from the Durham University Library in December 1998.

It is believed the book, the definitive collection of Shakespeare plays from which most subsequent editions are based, would have a market value of at least £15 million if it was ever sold.

Yesterday Durham Police confirmed that Raymond Scott, 51, had showed it to staff at a prestigious library in Washington DC, and asked them to verify it was genuine.

Explaining that he was an international businessman who had acquired the volume in Cuba, he left it with librarians, whose research revealed it to have been stolen.

The findings sparked an international manhunt involving the Durham force and America's Federal Bureau of Investigation and to the arrest of Mr Scott at his home in Sunderland which he shared with his 80-year-old mother Hannah.

Only 1,000 of the highly decorated First Folios were ever printed and it is believed that only 228 still exist - more than a third of them in the Folger Shakespeare Library, where it was handed in.

The last time one came up at auction, it went for £2.5 million.

Bill Bryson, Chancellor of Durham University and author of an acclaimed book on Shakespeare, said: "This is not only wonderful news for Durham University but for all Shakespeare's scholars and fans around the world, of which I am most definitely one.

"Like Shakespeare himself, this book is a national treasure giving a rare and beautiful snapshot of Britain's incredible literary heritage.

"I'll certainly be joining the crowds who will be eagerly welcoming it home."

When the First Folio was stolen they were described as a "unique and irreplaceable part of the region's heritage" and would be virtually impossible to sell to legitimate buyers.

Other items that disappeared at the same time in the Palace Green library raid were an early handwritten manuscript bearing an English translation of the New Testament dating from the late 14th or early 15th century and a handwritten manuscript of the same period containing a fragment of a poem written by

Geoffrey Chaucer, author of the Canterbury Tales.

Books included two works by the 10th Century scholar Aelfric that were printed in 1566, a first edition version of Beowulf printed in 1815 and a 1612 book of maps and poetry.

The stolen items were among more than 50 exhibits charting the progress of English literature from the Middle Ages to the 20th century which had been on public show in two rooms of the library.

Glass topped display cabinets had been forced and the two medieval manuscripts and five books had disappeared.

Vice-Chancellor of Durham University Professor Chris Higgins said: "Staff and the community felt a huge sense of loss when the books were stolen, so you can imagine my excitement and delight when I received the call from the police to say the First Folio had been found."

Detective Superintendent Andy Reddick, who is co-ordinating the inquiry, said the Shakespeare remains in the safe care of the Washington library.

He added: "A search of the house at Washington (Sunderland) began yesterday and that will continue today."

According to neighbours Mr Scott is a far cry from the image of international art thieves who were originally blamed for the theft.

Despite living in his mother's modern semi-detached house, he dressed in Armani suits and drove a succession of expensive cars including a balck Lamborghini, Rolls-Royce and lately a silver Ferrari with the personalised number plate M1 TZI.

Neighbours recall him washing the car while dressed in a silk dressing gown and slippers and also sitting on a plastic chair in his immaculately kept tiny front garden in a designer suit with a glass of white wine in one hand and a book in the other on fine days. He wore thick rimmed "Michael Cain-style" black spectacles.

Another neighbour, whose father knew him well, said he was "a kind and generous' man who regularly brought gifts back from his travels abroad.

"He was just a perfect gentleman,' she said. 'He would travel abroad regularly to Monte Carlo, Monaco, Cuba, Paris and would bring back cigars and football shirts for his friends.

"On his most recent trip he flew to Cuba for two weeks. On his way back he stopped off in Paris. He was just a wealthy man who was enjoying his money whilst taking care of his mother.

"He always struck me as a nice man who was always friendly. I couldn't believe it yesterday when he was led away from the house in handcuffs."

Art Hostage comments:

Shakespeare found it very difficult to drink beer throughout his life, why ??

Well, every time Shakespeare went into a pub or bar and ordered a drink of beer, the owner replied "Your Bard"

Scott must be suffering from self destruct syndrome !!!

Stolen Art Watch, Naval Thieves Turn Stomach !!

Valuable jewels and antiques stolen in raid

http://www.thisishampshire.net/news/hampshirenews/display.var.2385032.0.valuable_jewels_and_antiques_stolen_in_raid.php

Valuable jewellery, antiques and a set of four naval paintings have been stolen from a country house in Winchester, police said.

Burglars forced a downstairs window to get inside the house near Kilmeston village.

They were disturbed when the owner returned and drove off with several items of jewellery, antiques including an engagement ring, a set of four naval paintings, a carriage clock and a silver dish.

Hampshire police said at least two suspects were involved and one was described as early to mid-20s, athletic, around 6ft tall and wearing a grey, baggy top.

Police investigator Peter Davies said: ''This is a burglary on a large country house where several items of high sentimental and monetary value have been taken.

''There is a good chance the suspects were in the area of the house some time prior to the incident.

''We would appeal to anyone who may have been in the area at the time of the burglary to contact us if they saw anyone acting suspiciously or saw any vehicles acting in a suspicious manner.

''We would advise owners of large country residences to always ensure their properties are secure and to review their security as a matter of course."

Anyone with information should contact Winchester police station on 0845 045 45 45 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Art Hostage comments:

Art Hostage was once asked if he was a Naval man ?

Art Hostage replied, "No, more of leg man !!"

Well, it did say a set of four Naval paintings were stolen.

Stolen Art Watch, Canberra Roberts Stolen in a Cavalier Fashion !!

Painting's theft carefully disguised

Louise Schwartzkoff and Yuko Narushima
July 4, 2008

http://www.smh.com.au/news/arts/paintings-theft-carefully-disguised/2008/07/03/1214950914251.html

Thieves who stole a $25,000 painting from the Australian National University in Canberra disguised the theft by unbolting the plaque beneath the artwork and rubbing down the wooden veneer wall behind.

The 1928 oil on canvas by Tom Roberts, Road Near The Goulburn River, might have been missing since late April, but its disappearance was noticed only on June 19 after a routine audit of the collection. The university reported the theft to police on Wednesday.

At 56 centimetres by 45.5 centimetres, the painting was small enough to be hidden under a jacket. The thieves removed its bolts and took it from a function room where it was hanging with several less valuable paintings. The other works were untouched and the wall left looking as new.

"The disappearance of the painting has been carefully disguised," said the university's acting vice-chancellor, Lawrence Cram. "You would need to know it was there beforehand [to tell it was missing]."

The artworks were protected by little more than a locked door, but Professor Cram said it would be impractical to introduce surveillance cameras. "We do have quite a lot of precautions to make it difficult to remove the pieces of art, but we'll have to look at whether it's possible to continue leaving these pieces on display."

ACT police are appealing to the public for information.

But even art experts may not immediately recognise Road Near The Goulburn River as Roberts's work. The head curator of Australian art at the Art Gallery of NSW, Barry Pearce, said: "It doesn't jump out as an obvious, famous Roberts painting and that might make it more difficult for a buyer to trace it back to a collection and realise it is stolen."

Art Hostage comments:

Waiting for more information to filter through, reward offer, how much etc, and from the Underworld who is currently in possession of this fine work of art by Roberts, keep you posted..

Update:

Seems the thieves are Laughing at authorities in a Cavalier fashion !!!

Stolen Art Watch, Bill Reid Heist, Danger of Danegeld !! Updated !

BILL REID ARTWORK

No new tips on missing art

MARSHA LEDERMAN

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20080618.BCBRIEFS18/TPStory/?query=bill+reid+

June 18, 2008

VANCOUVER -- The RCMP say no new tips have come in since they appealed last week for the safe return of two missing Bill Reid artworks, after the theft last month at Vancouver's Museum of Anthropology.

Constable Annie Linteau says investigators have received no new information from the public, despite an appeal by police for information on the two missing pieces - a gold eagle brooch and an argillite pipe panel.

Meanwhile, a media report suggests charges may never be laid in the case.

According to the CBC, a deal was worked out with the suspects, offering immunity or at least leniency if the artworks were recovered intact.

The report also says one of the Bill Reid items surfaced at a Vancouver pawn shop 24 hours after the May 23-24 theft, but was reclaimed by the person who brought it in after the intense media coverage surrounding the thefts.

Thirteen of the 15 items stolen from the museum were recovered in raids in Burnaby and New Westminster more than a week ago.

All of the Reid items were in good shape, according to police, but the three stolen pieces of Mexican jewellery had been dismantled.

Three suspects were taken in for questioning, but no charges were laid.

Art Hostage comments:

Information coming in, one last push guys, Danegeld first, then final return, otherwise

Norway will they return !!!

Rudyard Kipling Danegeld

IT IS always a temptation to an armed and agile nation,
To call upon a neighbour and to say:
"We invaded you last night - we are quite prepared to fight,
Unless you pay us cash to go away."

And that is called asking for Dane-geld,
And the people who ask it explain
That you’ve only to pay ’em the Dane-geld
And then you’ll get rid of the Dane!

It is always a temptation to a rich and lazy nation,
To puff and look important and to say:
"Though we know we should defeat you, we have not the time to meet you.
We will therefore pay you cash to go away."

And that is called paying the Dane-geld;
But we’ve proved it again and again,
That if once you have paid him the Dane-geld
You never get rid of the Dane.

It is wrong to put temptation in the path of any nation,
For fear they should succumb and go astray,
So when you are requested to pay up or be molested,
You will find it better policy to say:

"We never pay any one Dane-geld,
No matter how trifling the cost,
For the end of that game is oppression and shame,
And the nation that plays it is lost!"

Recent history of Danegeld

http://stolenvermeer.blogspot.com/2008/02/stolen-art-watch-danger-of-danegeld.html

sound familiar Marsha ??

more to follow........................

Update:

Lynette Tien, are you being a good girl ??

Dale Fedoruk, are you being a good boy ??

Not to forget Lance and Angela !!

Hope it is not true the Bill Reid pipe has suffered damage ?

If the damage to the Pipe is preventing it being returned then don't worry it can be repaired, better back damaged, then not back at all !!

Lets put this whole episode to bed and see both the final Bill Reid icons returned, if the Eagle pin has not been already !!!

More to come.................. Careful, someone will get shot in the head !!!!

Stolen Art Watch, Bill Reid Theft Norway Connection !!!

Balume kashongwe your mom wants to know if you are alright ???

The guys in Norway are wondering about you !!!!

Aaron Syberg, feeling the heat yet ???

Gerald "Danny Boy" Blanchard, another fine mess to clear up !!!

RCMP, Have you advised the McMICHAEL CANADIAN COLLECTION. Kleinberg Toronto to conduct a fresh security assessment ??

********, have you been paid the reward yet, no, didn't think so !!!

To be continued..............................

Stolen Art Watch, Bill Reid Mastermind Planning Next Heist, Even Bigger,The McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Kleinburg, Toronto !!!

Group of Seven in Danger !!

Art Hostage has some astonishing news coming from the Canadian Underworld.

Remember the early reports about the Bill Reid theft and the leading suspect was "Out of jail" on the night of the Bill Reid theft ?

Either Gerald "Danny Boy" Blanchard/ Aaron Syberg when they got back to jail were interrogated by a convicted Underworld Godfather, before telling the guys to hand the Bill Reid Icons back.

However, this information was relayed to the RCMP via a nominee so they could collect any reward and the RMCP attended the scene and recovered the Bill Reid Icons.

Now the Convicted Underworld Godfather will try and collect the reward via a proxy and the whole matter will then be swept under the carpet, not least because allowing either Gerald Danny Boy Blanchard or Aaron Syberg to be released, let alone released to commit Canada's biggest Cultural art heist, is embarrassing to say the least.

O'h boy, it gets allot worse, trust me.

Now the Bill Reid Icons have nearly all been recovered, Gerald "Danny Boy" Blanchard/Aaron Syberg are looking to the future.

What is the next target for the Blanchard Gang ?

Art Hostage has been given details, interested ?

Apparently, The McMichael Canadian Art Collection houses paintings by the so-called "Group of Seven" which would attract an even bigger outcry, and even bigger reward.

It is in a place called Kleinburg near Toronto and Blanchard/Syberg have been given details to work on a sophisticated heist.

Although Blanchard and Syberg may have fallen out over certain things, when it comes to the bottom line a Modus Vivendi will work.

It must be said however, that whilst in jail both Blanchard and Syberg have been offered many heists, some rejected out of hand, this one apparently The McMichael Canadian Art Collection Heist has legs.

Perhaps the RCMP Toronto should pay a visit to The McMichael Canadian Art Collection and conduct a new security review.

Whether any new security at The McMichael Canadian Art Collection will thwart Gerald Danny Boy Blanchard, Aaron Syberg and their new found Underworld Godfather paymasters remains to be seen.

To be continued.....................................

Update:

Well this, if true, is astonishing.

Apparently, the telephone call to hoodwink the Security guards at the University of British Columbia, fooling them about the CCTV going offline at the Museum of Anthropology, was made, wait for it, from Jail by either Gerald Danny Boy Blanchard, Aaron Syberg or another inmate involved.

The Bill Reid post-mortem is getting worse by the minute !!

Stolen Art Watch, Bill Reid Gold Box, Safe and Sound, Now the Post-Mortem !!

Today at 2:00pm, the RCMP in B.C. held a press conference in relation to the UBC Museum of Anthropology stolen artwork investigation at the Surrey Federal Operations Building.

http://bc.rcmp.ca/ViewPage.action?siteNodeId=50&contentId=5035&languageId=1&rssReader=yahoo

Cst Linteau

Good afternoon. Thank you for coming. I would like to introduce C/Supt McGowan, Operations Officer and Assistant District Commander of the Lower Mainland District and Insp. FitzPatrick, Operations Officer E Division Major Crime Unit.

C/Supt McGowan

Good afternoon

On May 24 2008 - University Detachment of the RCMP was called to investigate a break and enter at the UBC Museum of Anthropology where several very valuable pieces of artwork were stolen. The RCMP were immediately advised of the cultural importance of these pieces. From the onset this matter was assigned the utmost priority and urgency. A very integrated multi-jurisdictional investigative team was formed to assist University Detachment. This team included a number of investigators and specialized support units from around the Lower Mainland District and E Division Headquarters. E Division Major Crimes Unit is leading this active and ongoing investigation that involves municipal, provincial and federal resources.

This team has worked tirelessly and around the clock investigating this crime that has attracted international attention. The investigation actively pursued a number of tips and investigative leads that resulted in the identification of suspects and in the execution of two search warrants in the Lower Mainland.

The primary objective for this investigative team has always been on the safe return of these national treasures. I am very pleased to announce this objective has been achieved and that most of these stolen articles have been recovered.

The investigation remains very active and ongoing and I will turn it over to Insp. Brendan Fitzpatrick, the officer in charge of the investigation for further comments.

Insp. Brendan Fitzpatrick

On Sunday June 8 after two weeks of exhaustive investigation, investigators from the E Division Serious Crime Unit involving up to 50 investigators from a variety of specialized units and detachments applied for and were granted search warrants to search two residences in the Lower Mainland. On executing those search warrants, three individuals were taken into custody. After searching both residences extensively, all but two stolen Bill Reid art exhibits were recovered intact. The substantive items including the most prized which is the gold box with an eagle was recovered.

This investigation included an in-depth examination of the circumstances of the break and entry and the alarm and video-monitoring system within the museum. In order to do that, specialized resources from our integrated technical crimes unit and special engineering sections were utilized. In addition, a number of investigative avenues were immediately initiated. One of those investigative avenues led investigators to persons of interest and their associates. Given the cultural significance of the stolen items, all available investigative avenues were pursued including 24 hour surveillance, search warrants and a cash reward.

While we are satisfied that we have recovered most of the stolen items, the RCMP would like to seek the public’s assistance in recovering the last two items which we have reason to believe are still in the Lower Mainland area. Our investigation to date indicates those items likely went to a local buyer or stolen property broker.

This investigation is far from over. Although we are very satisfied that we have been able to recover the majority of the items, we remain determined to recover the last two pieces.

If anyone has information as to the whereabouts of these pieces of the collection, please contact 778-886-2870 or Crime Stoppers.

Art Hostage Comments:

Bewdy, as they say in Australia !!!!

It really is a beautiful day, over to the boys from U2:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6FwEJwwYcQ

Post Mortem:

This is where the fun starts.

First of all the three people arrested in possession of the Bill Reid Icons have all been released without charge, strange don't you think ???

The biggest cultural heist in Canadian history and those caught in possession of the Bill Reid Icons walk as if it were a mere misdemeanor.

Second, the two outstanding items are an argillite panel and Eagle pin by Bill Reid.

These are sitting in Irv's pawn shop and will be recovered shortly.

The Mexican necklaces have been dismantled and were going to be sold for melt until Art Hostage stepped in last Wednesday.

The original thieves have been described as "Unsophisticated Lower Mainland career criminals" which seems absurd given the sophisticated manner in which the theft was carried out.

We all know "Danny Boy"Gerald Daniel Blanchard/Aaron Syberg and co were behind the Bill Reid theft so lets see this thing unfold and see if the mainstream media will sit on their hands in a subservient manner.

To be continued..........................

Stolen Art Watch, Gotcha Gerald, well nearly !!

BURNABY (NEWS1130) - RCMP say they've executed search warrants on the Lower Mainland and have recovered some of the Bill Reid gold art stolen from the UBC Museum of Anthropology late last month.

Police are not releasing any details, but say more information will be released over the next few days as the investigation continues.

The subject of the RCMP investigation has been a South Burnaby home, in the Metrotown area. RCMP say that for officer safety, they don't want to release any more information. There are also fears that one person still wanted in the theft may melt down any remaining Reid pieces to avoid further criminal prosecution.

The theft occured in the overnight hours of May 23-24 at UBC's Museum of Anthropology. UBC has offered a $50,000 reward for information leading the safe return of the art works.

Art Hostage comments:

Please, please. be the gold box !!

How many times did you need telling Gerald ???

Do not destroy the **** please, hide it if you must, or better still post it to your lawyer , destroyed gives you less leverage in the future.

Loyal Art Hostage readers, if the truth comes out, then prepare yourself for a scenario similar to when a person Set's ablaze a building and then shouts "Fire" to receive the credit.

Lots more coming in................................

Art lovers across the world, especially RCMP, Alain, UK Mark and Pierrie unite and sing

"We are the Champions" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xn1w3kLoOuA

Gives you a warm feeling inside knowing Bill Reid Icons are on their way home !!

Art Hostage you sentimental fool !!!!

Update:

Aaron Syberg, if you are the "Hardy Kruger, " "The one That Got Away," then make sure any residue Bill Reid Icons are handed back.

At some stage you will be "Googie Withers, Within These Walls" so please make sure you don't have to face up to being the one who destroyed any Bill Reid Icons.

Mothers always love their son, step-dad's just go along with it to keep the peace !!

Wake up Canada, a wonderful day awaits, Bill Reid Icons recovered !!

Pump up the volume and rejoice
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6FwEJwwYcQ

Stolen Art Watch, Gerald Daniel Blanchard Mastermind Bill Reid Theft !!

Fake phone call fooled UBC security in museum heist, police sources say

http://www.cbc.ca/arts/story/2008/06/04/bc-ubc-security-ruse.html

An experienced jewelry thief may have hoodwinked the University of British Columbia's campus security by telling them to ignore security alarms on the night of last month's multi-million dollar heist at the Museum of Anthropology, CBC News has learned.

The prime suspect and possible mastermind of one of the biggest art heists in Canadian history is a Vancouver thief who specializes in hitting high-end jewelry stores by neutralizing their sophisticated security systems, police sources have told the CBC.

The suspect was out of jail the night the museum break-in occurred on the UBC campus near Vancouver, and the techniques used in that heist fit his normal operating procedure, the sources said.

Four hours before the break-in on May 23, two or three key surveillance cameras at the Museum of Anthropology mysteriously went off-line.

Around the same time, a caller claiming to be from the alarm company phoned campus security, telling them there was a problem with the system and to ignore any alarms that might go off.

Campus security fell for the ruse and ignored an automated computer alert sent to them, police sources told CBC News.

Meanwhile surveillance cameras that were still operating captured poor pictures of what was going on inside the museum because of a policy to turn the lights off at night.

Then, as the lone guard working overnight in the museum that night left for a smoke break, the thief or thieves broke in, wearing gas masks and spraying bear spray to slow down anyone who might stumble across them.

Twelve gold artworks worth $2 million by the Haida artist Bill Reid, plus three gold-plated Mexican Zapotec necklaces, vanished that night and have not been seen since.

Publicly, RCMP investigators are saying little, other than confirming they believe it is likely the thief or thieves and stolen pieces are still in the Vancouver area.

Investigators say they believe the items are too hot to move or melt down, and sources told the CBC the investigation is focusing on some Vancouver goldsmiths known to have handled stolen jewelry in the past.

Meanwhile, the RCMP are also hoping an anonymous tipster who left some tantalizing information will call them back again.

In addition, police have said the museum's insurance company has boosted the current $50,000 reward substantially but will not say by how much.

The raw value of the gold in the jewelry is estimated to be only $15,000.

Art Hostage comments:

Gerald, listen, the heat is on and I am sure you did not think the Bill Reid theft would be as high profile, provoking such global outrage.

You may be thinking you will keep the Bill Reid icons as a bargaining counter for the time when you are facing serious criminal charges.

Well, that may not be the best idea.

You do however, have some leverage and could benefit from some kind of deal via your lawyer.

Art Hostage has recommended Michael Morse or Dennis Morris out of Toronto as they have experience in handing back stolen iconic artworks.

That is something you should discuss with your own lawyer.

O'h by the way, your friend in France is growing impatient and now may be a good time to consider a visit ??

The Canadian Underworld are not very happy as the RCMP will be applying pressure and disrupting the Canadian Underworld's everyday business as a result of the Bill Reid theft.

Gerald, before you upset too many Underworld figures, consider this, the Bill Reid thing may have backfired on you, not at this moment but in the future.

There will be a time when you look back Gerald, and wish you could have played the Bill Reid Heist better, post-theft.

Well, here is your chance, get the Bill Reid icons to your lawyer and then make a deal that may include favours for certain Canadian Underworld Godfathers who could be in jail and could benefit from better conditions. This will give you Kudos and also it will be a better bargaining counter for the future.

*********** would gladly give you $1 million if you could get him better conditions in jail, that way you get paid Gerald, the Bill Reid Icons are returned, and no-one gets arrested.

Trust me Gerald, these Bill Reid Icons are cursed and they will bring nothing but bad luck, bad Omens and trouble, not least by the pursuit of the RCMP, who will disrupt many Canadian Underworld operations, thereby angering the Canadian Underworld who will be less than happy with you.

At the moment Gerald you have pissed off the RCMP, Canadian people, and art lovers around the world, by keeping the Bill Reid Icons you will Piss off the Canadian Underworld big time.

Forget all the mainstream media stuff, this is for real, Gerald, get the Bill Reid Icons to your Lawyer and start the deal making process.

Finally, Gerald, if I am blogging a story in about a years time regarding you being indicted for the Bill Reid theft, then you will have no-one else to blame but yourself.

There is a window of opportunity take it before it closes.

Worth thinking about !!!!!!

Old Carl Bales, Lynette Tien, Lance Ulmer, Angela James, Dale Fedoruk, Aaron Syberg, and Balume Kashongwe............need I go on ??

Update,

Art Hostage has learnt that French Police have recovered the paintings stolen in the South of France last year, couple of Monet's a Sisley and a Brueghel.

They have arrested the ******* guys from around Nice and Marseille, strike now Gerald, make a deal, before it's too late !!!!!!

Stolen Art Watch, Bill Reid, Bill Reid, Get Them to the Lawyers, Quickly !!

Stolen gold likely in Lower Mainland still, say police

http://www.cbc.ca/arts/story/2008/06/03/bc-stolen-gold-still-here.html

RCMP believe the 15 pieces of artwork stolen from UBC's Museum of Anthropology are still in the Lower Mainland, and hope to speak once more to a tipster who didn't leave a name.

"We want to appeal to a tipster who provided us with information in the past, as we believe this person may have more information that could further the police investigation. We're talking here about national treasures," said Const. Annie Linteau.

Twelve works of gold jewelry by Haida artist Bill Reid and three Mexican necklaces made up of gold coins were stolen from the museum overnight May 23.

Police now believe the thief or thieves may be trying to sell the artwork through a network of criminal associates in Greater Vancouver, but investigators also haven't ruled out the possibility international art thieves may be involved, said Linteau.

The investigators believe it's unlikely the pieces will be melted down, because of their value in the art world, Linteau said.

The museum's insurance company has substantially increased the $50,000 reward for information leading to the recovery of the pieces according to Linteau, but she could not say by how much.

But police hope the growing reward will result in another break in the case, she said.

http://www.cbc.ca/arts/story/2008/06/03/bc-stolen-gold-still-here.html

http://www.cbc.ca/news/


New tip about stolen Bill Reid art pieces

http://www.news1130.com/news/topstory/article.jsp?content=20080603_095217_5472

VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) - There is a significant update in the art heist from UBC on May 24th. Police now believe the person or people responsible for the theft are from the Lower Mainland, and may be trying to sell the pieces through a network of criminal associates in the Vancouver area.

The RCMP would also like to speak to an anonymous tipster who they've already talked to because they think this person may have more information.

A dozen gold pieces created by Bill Reid and worth millions of dollars were stolen from UBC's Museum of Anthropology on May 24th.

UBC has offered a $50,000 reward, and now the school's insurance company is also offering a "significant" reward, with conditions, for information leading to the recovery of the pieces.

Art Hostage comments:

As predicted, the reward now stands much higher than the original $50,000, word is it could be up to $500,000, a cool 1/2 million $.

Memo to the Bill Reid Thieves:

As you can see everybody wants a piece of this action, so, the safest thing is to now deposit the Bill Reid items with a Lawyer for safekeeping during the negotiations.

Art Hostage did request this earlier as I knew there would be a scramble to inform on the culprits.

Right, Art Hostage recommends the Lawyers Michael Morse or Dennis Morris, who are in Toronto, first they can offer secrecy, and also it is far away enough from British Columbia to manage safely. Dennis Morris took possession of the stolen Ken Thompson Ivories in 2004 and handed them back without anyone getting arrested, client attorney privilege !!

You know by now that this is radio-active stolen art and without the Lawyer there will only be arrests and no reward.

However, Art Hostage has been contacted by a senior member of the Canadian Underworld they say the original thieves may have already sold these Bill Reid icons and the buyer is ready to deal.

If that is the case, then, read this and learn !!

Memo to buyer of Bill Reid Icons:

Now you have the Bill Reid Icons trick is to get them back without being arrested.

No matter if you say you bought them to hand back, this needs to be done by your most trusted Lawyer, who can liaise with Michael Morse or Dennis Morris in Toronto, thereby detaching you even further.

The main thing that really needs to be done is get these Bill Reid icons off the street and in the safe hands of a trusted Lawyer, I mean it, the longer these Bill Reid Icons are on the street the less chance of anyone getting the reward money.

For further advice contact Art Hostage at

arthostage@hotmail.co.uk

Stolen Art Watch, Artworld Holds it's Breath as Deposit Boxes Reveal Their Secrets !!

By Tim Castle
http://uk.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idUKL0275401620080602

LONDON (Reuters) - Police seized thousands of safe deposit boxes from three vaults in central and north London on Monday after receiving intelligence they were used by criminals to store cash, guns and drugs.

Scotland Yard said officers raided vaults in Park Lane, Swiss Cottage and Edgware run by a privately run firm, Safe Deposit Centres.

Two people were arrested in the raids, which also included two other business premises and three private addresses in London and Hertfordshire.

Police sources said up to 90 percent of the boxes could contain the proceeds of crime and other illegal items such as child pornography.

The vaults are estimated to contain around 7,000 boxes, although it is unclear how many have been in use.

"We believe this police operation has the potential to simultaneously impact upon a large number of criminal networks, in London, nationally and globally," said Assistant Commissioner John Yates.

"Intelligence gathered over a protracted period has indicated that there are potential links at these businesses to organised crime such as paedophilia, firearms, drug trafficking, fraud, human trafficking, prostitution and money laundering."

Police will take the boxes away to a secure location. Any not claimed by their owners will be forced open and the contents investigated.

"Each safe deposit box will be treated as a single, potential crime scene," said Yates.

Police said the scale of the raids, codenamed Operation Rize, was unprecedented and involved 300 officers.

Courts have given police warrants to search individual security boxes in the past, but never this many at one time.

The operation began after police went round safety deposit firms in London reminding them of their responsibilities under legislation covering money laundering and the proceeds of crime.

While other firms were found to be compliant, officers became suspicious about the company raided, which appeared to be turning a blind eye to the rules.

Tough regulations requiring banks and financial institutions to "know their customers" have made it difficult for criminals to deposit large amounts of cash.

A website for the raided business stresses that "discretion is always assured" and that "you need never disclose the contents of your box to anyone."

Police said customers wishing to collect their belongings should not go to the raided vaults but contact a special call centre on 0800 030 4613.

Art Hostage comments:

This investigation started out looking for stolen artworks held in deposit boxes, diamonds as well as high value stolen art.

It has mutated into this and it will be interesting to see how much stolen art is recovered ?

Calls across the pond to the FBI have already been made and agents from Ireland, America, Spain etc will be decending on London over the coming days.

Police were forced to act today as their undercover informant was exposed.

The whole operation shifted gear a few weeks ago and the results can been seen today.

More to follow.............................

Stolen Art Watch, Gilbert White's House Website Invites Theft !!

http://www.gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk/

Theft shock at museum

http://www.petersfieldpost.co.uk/news/Theft-shock-at-museum.4123546.jp

Thieves stole valuable furniture from a Selborne museum by carrying it 400 yards to their getaway vehicle parked in a pub car park.
Gilbert White’s House and The Oates Museum, one of Hampshire’s finest historic houses, was burgled during the night between Monday, May 12 and Tuesday, May 13.

Having previously visited the tourist attraction to prepare their attack, the thieves entered.

the property via the gardens and broke a window in order to enter the house, where they cleared the Great Parlour of its 18th century furniture.

Items taken included a grandfather clock, two semicircular tables, four dining chairs, a chest of drawers and two tallboys. All these items were lifted through a narrow window and carried through the grounds over a distance of about 400 yards to the waiting transport which was parked in the car park of the Selborne Arms public house.

Staff were shocked and upset the following morning when the break-in was discovered. Museum director Maria Newbery said: “It is very sad when part of our heritage is destroyed like this.

“Visitors have always enjoyed the special atmosphere in the Great Parlour, a room which was added to the house in 1777, when Gilbert White lived here.”

While the furniture did not belong to Gilbert White, as his own was dispersed following his death in 1793, the room had been set out and furnished as accurately as possible to recreate it, using entries in his many journals as a guide.

Museum staff doubt whether the furniture will be recovered.

The room has now re-opened to visitors and will be used to house a temporary display until replacement furniture can be purchased.

Anyone with any information is asked to call Hampshire police on 0845 045 4545.

Art Hostage comments:

Take another look at the photograph heading this story, everything in it was stolen during this audacious theft.

Perhaps the advertising of Historic Houses should not include such detailed, inviting photo's of the art and antiques contained therein !!

Here is the link to the Gilbert White House website:

http://www.gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk/thehouse.php

Sometimes life is made too easy for the criminals, let alone investigating post theft !!

Coming soon, the possible journey of these stolen antiques.........

Stolen Art Watch, Sunday Round Up !!

From The Sunday Times


http://property.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/property/interiors/article4039918.ece


June 1, 2008

Fake furniture has top auction houses fooled

Alarm among celebrity buyers


Christopher Owen and Jon Ungoed-Thomas

Sotheby's has withdrawn a pair of “antique” commodes from auction in New York this week because evidence suggests they are fake.

The commodes, each fitted with three drawers, were described in the catalogue as “German neoclassical, circa 1800”. The fifth most valuable lot in the sale, they were expected to fetch up to £150,000.

But Dennis Buggins, the Kent-based furniture restorer turned whistleblower whose fake furniture from barn planks and cannibalised antiques has fooled experts around the world, claims they were constructed from old wardrobes.

Buggins, 47, has also identified a number of items sold as antiques by Christie’s that he says were fabricated or significantly altered in his workshop. He claims to have made from scratch a desk described by Christie’s as George IV.


The fakes scandal has caused widespread alarm in Manhattan and Hollywood because many of America’s most prominent decorators buy from dealers who used Buggins. Michael Smith, a Los Angeles interior designer whose client list includes the former supermodel Cindy Crawford and film director Steven Spielberg, is said to have purchased two items of Buggins’s fake furniture.

In April The Sunday Times revealed how Buggins’s £2m farmhouse had for two decades doubled as a production line for mock antique furniture, which had been offered for sale for up to £1.2m per item. “We turned out hundreds of pieces from carcasses or from scratch,” he said.

The catalogue for the Sotheby’s auction on Tuesday features Buggins’s pair of commodes prominently on one of the title pages. They were withdrawn from the sale after Buggins produced a detailed worksheet for this newspaper showing they were built in his workshop in 1993 and 1994.

Alistair Clarke, the worldwide head of English and continental furniture at Sotheby’s, said: “They are convincingly made and with an intention to deceive. They incorporate elements that appeared to be period. I am now sceptical about them and they have been withdrawn pending further investigation.”

Buggins said this weekend: “I’m flattered they were to be auctioned at Sotheby’s. They’re definitely mine. They were made from four or five old wardrobes and cedar from a local timber merchant. Carving the squiggles on the drawers was difficult to get right.”

Since the publication of The Sunday Times investigation, collectors around the world have called in experts to hunt for Buggins’s creations. The New York Times last month described the furniture restorer’s allegation as “deception and audacity on an extraordinary scale”.

John Hobbs, a London dealer who was one Buggins’s main clients, is said to have offered some of the furniture for sale as genuine. Much of Hobbs’s furniture was sold to American clients.

According to The New York Times, Smith, whose clients also include Dustin Hoffman and Michelle Pfeiffer, bought a pair of “antique” commodes that were made by Buggins in 2004 and 2006. While private buyers could hardly be expected to spot the anomalies in Buggins’s works, it now appears that some of the world’s leading furniture experts were also duped.

The commodes offered for sale at Sotheby’s were delivered to the auction house last February and experts concluded they were probably made in Germany by a craftsman who trained in “one of the great London workshops”. Despite having no provenance, they were described as “a fine pair of German neoclassical mahogany commodes, possibly for the Russian market”.

The auction house said it had been contacted by other parties who had questioned whether the commodes were genuine. In spite of this, it was not until The Sunday Times told the auction house of Buggins’s claim that it went back to the vendor and established that the commodes had originally been purchased from Hobbs. The commodes were then withdrawn from sale.

Other items from Buggins’s workshops now believed to have passed through the leading auction houses include “a pair of Spanish silvered clear and blue foil-backed mirrors, 18th century”, sold by Christie’s in New York for $192,000 in May 2005.

Buggins said he had based the mirrors — which featured hexagonal shapes around the frame — on a genuine item. He incorporated old mirror plates, olive wood from a local timber merchant and some old pine.

Two desks sold by Christie’s in London in September 2007 are also said to have been assembled or significantly altered by Buggins. One of the desks, described as “a George IV mahogany partner’s desk”, was made from an old wardrobe.

When the mirrors and two desks were sold, the provenance was merely described by Christie’s as “John Hobbs”. Christie’s said last week there was “no further provenance available to publish” on the items when they were sold.

It added: “Christie’s are reviewing any consignments that may give us cause for concern.”

Buggins is dismayed that his work has been misrepresented — but pleased that his craftsmanship has been passed by experts. “It’s almost as if the auction houses want these items to exist,” he said.

His work has caused significant alarm in New York because one of the city’s most prominent dealers is Carlton Hobbs, John Hobbs’s brother and former business partner. Legal documents from the New York Supreme Court show Carlton Hobbs also had a business relationship with Buggins going back more than two decades.

Carlton Hobbs is now offering clients an “authenticity” service on items he has sold. His firm says that to date it has found possible problems with “less than 1%” of items. It said it had not been involved in the sale or creation of fakes.

Christie’s is currently offering five items of furniture with a Carlton Hobbs provenance at a sale in London on Thursday. Although these items may have gone through Buggins’s workshop, the auction house said it had not attempted to verify them under Carlton Hobbs’s authenticity service. However, Carlton Hobbs insisted it had “every confidence” that the items were genuine.

John Hobbs has denied any wrongdoing or deliberately misrepresenting items manufactured by Buggins.

He resigned from the British Antique Dealers’ Association after it launched an investigation to follow up the allegations in The Sunday Times.

How the scandal unfolded

April 6, 2008 The Sunday Times reports how furniture mocked up by Dennis Buggins, a Kent restorer, has been misrepresented by John Hobbs, a London dealer.

April 7 British Antique Dealers’ Association investigates and suspends Hobbs, who later resigns.

Late April David Wilson, one of America’s most prominent furniture experts, flies to England to inspect private clients’ collections. He says a number of items “gave cause for concern”.

May 22 The New York Times describes the scandal as “deception and audacity on an extraordinary scale”.

May 22 The Sunday Times alerts Sotheby’s in New York that commodes due to be auctioned are alleged to have been made by Buggins. They are withdrawn from sale.

Art Hostage comments:

Comments to follow

Stolen Art Watch, Forget Thomas Crown, Bill Reid Thieves are Cultural Assassins !!

Gas masks, Bear spray used in Vancouver art heist

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/british-columbia/story/2008/05/27/bc-gas-masks-ried-heist.html

The thieves who broke into a B.C. museum last week and walked off with $2 million in gold artworks wore gas masks and used bear spray, CBC News has learned.

The brazen burglary at the Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia took place Friday night while the lone security guard was out having a cigarette, museum director Anthony Shelton said.

The take included 12 artistic treasures fashioned in gold by the late Haida artist Bill Reid.

Four hours before the theft occurred, Shelton said, several key surveillance cameras went offline without explanation.

"The security cameras seem to have been working," Shelton said, "and this is just a couple of them. But it seems that they hadn't been recording."

An electronic alarm alerting campus security, responsible for patrols at the museum, was tripped when the cameras stopped recording, but it appears nothing was done about the problem, Shelton said.

There was only one guard at the museum Friday night, and about the same time he left for his smoke break, the thieves moved in wearing gas masks, Shelton said. The burglars then doused the interior of the museum with a powerful bear repellent.

Electronic recordings confirm both audible and silent alarms were functioning at the time, Shelton said. The bear spray would have immobilized anyone who tried to stop the thieves, but it seems no one did.

The guard did not report a problem and the theft was not discovered until the shift change for security guards at 9 a.m. Saturday, Shelton told CBC News.

Shelton said the heist was well organized: three Mexican Zapotec Indian gold-coloured necklaces, which were found despite being hidden in drawers, were the first items taken.

Next came the glass case containing Reid's gold pieces. A dozen items were scooped up, including the famous Golden Box.

The appraised value of all the items is about $2 million, though experts say Reid's pieces are virtually priceless.

Shelton told CBC News he believes the well-organized and professional thieves cased the museum before the break-in. He said he wasn’t sure whether they were only looking for gold, as almost all the gold pieces on display were taken, or whether they were filling a specific order from an international art collector.

Shelton acknowledged police have been questioning staff, but he denied there is any evidence to suggest the burglary was an inside job.

Interpol called into the investigation
Shelton said the museum has been circulating photographs of the stolen work to art magazines and journals, in addition to offering a $50,000 reward. Interpol, the world's largest police agency, has also been called into the investigation.

Reid is considered one of Canada's most important 20th-century artists. Four of his works can be seen on the Canadian $20 bill.

The Victoria-born artisan was trained as a goldsmith and worked in sculpture, carvings and jewelry — all reflecting traditional Northwest Coast native culture. Reid's father was Scottish-German and his mother was Haida.

In his 20s, Reid began a career as a radio announcer and eventually ended up at the CBC in Toronto in 1948, where he discovered his jewelry-making skills while taking a college course.

In 1951, upon returning to Vancouver, Reid explored and expanded his jewelry-making business while continuing to work for the CBC. It was the start of an acclaimed career as a world-renowned artist. He died in 1998.

Art Hostage comments:

Memo to thieves: "Cultural Assassins"

Do yourselves a favour and contact Toronto Lawyer Michael Morse, or Dennis Morris, the lawyer who recovered the Thompson Ivories, they will be able to organise the safe return of the Bill Reid items before this whole thing gets out of hand.

Gas Masks and Bear spray, OK professional approach, therefore, make sure the Bill Reid icons are cared for well.

The world and his wife are looking for these Bill Reid Icons and the best thing is they be placed in the safe hands of a lawyer, Morse or Morris, even during negotiations, that way other thieves will not be able to steal them off the original thieves.

As much as the Canadian people are outraged by this theft, the Canadian people can be counted on to forgive the thieves if the Bill Reid icons are quickly returned un-damaged.

To be continued............................

Stolen Art Watch, Michael Morse can Crack the Code, Get Bill Reid Icons returned !!

Theft of Bill Reid art not random, curator says

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080526/BC_reid_interpol_080526/20080526?hub=CTVNewsAt11

The curator of the Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia says the theft on Saturday of a dozen pieces of art by Haida artist Bill Reid was not random.

Bill McLennan says the thieves knew what they wanted and they brought in the equipment needed to break into the high security cases that held the works of art.

He says his worst fear is that whoever took the pieces could melt them down for the gold.


Police refuse to say how the thieves got into the building, or if there is any video surveillance, but they say descriptions of the stolen items are being circulated to police agencies around the world through Interpol.

In addition to the Bill Reid pieces -- which are being called "priceless'' -- several Mexican gold necklaces were also stolen.

On Monday, Canadian Press reported that UBC and the Museum are jointly offering a $50,000 reward for the return of the works, which have a total value of about $2 million.

Reid's widow, Martine, is said to be distressed by the theft and hopes a reward is offered to get the works of art back.

Reid is considered to be one of Canada's most important artists of the 20th century.

He was trained as a goldsmith and worked in sculpture, carvings, jewelry and painting. His work reflected traditional Northwest Coast native art.

Reid died in 1998.

Art Hostage comments:

Sorry for the delay in posting about this theft but I have been consulting contacts in Canada.

First of all the way to recover the stolen Bill Reid artworks is a method used last year to recover the iconic set of medals stolen in New Zealand, see link:

http://stolenvermeer.blogspot.com/2008/02/stolen-art-watch-da-vinci-madonna.html

http://stolenvermeer.blogspot.com/2008/02/stolen-art-watch-danger-of-danegeld.html

However distasteful the services of an underworld lawyer is crucial.

Now the man for this job in Canada is Michael Morse who I posted a story about see link:

http://arthostage.blogspot.com/2006/12/art-crime-gang-one-step-ahead-of.html

All the names are provided in the story above so get to it !!!

If authorities play their cards right the Bill Reid items can be back home sooner rather than later.

more later....................

Stolen Art Watch, Simon Muggleton's Revenge, Best Served When Retired !!

Antiques Rogue Who Deceived Women

http://www.theargus.co.uk/

An Antiques "Knocker Boy" duped elderly women into selling valuable heirlooms for as little as one hundredth of their true value, a court was told.

Michael "The Ambassador" Underwood appeared on the doorsteps of wealthy widows in Crowbourgh, London and the Isle of Man to persuade them to part with treasured possessions, it is claimed.

His solicitor, Anthony Hershal Blok, is accused of hiding a £300 receipt for a painting Underwood bought worth £30,000 or more on the open market.

Underwood, of Copenhagen Court, Brighton Marina, went to prison in 2006 rather than reveal the fate of the work, entitled "Girls On A Beach" by Sir William Orpen, Brighton Crown Court was told.

He is accused of failing to declare ownership of the work when he filed for bankruptcy in 2002 so it would not be seized to pay his debts.

The court was told that Underwood had been a client of Blok since 1995.

The prosecution claims Blok had files containing the cash proceeds of crime by other clients in his office.

Blok is accused of lying to a court by claiming he did not know the identity of the Orphen painting's owner.

Blok is also accused of failing to pass on information about suspected money laundering by people he represented as a criminal lawyer.

Amanda Pinto QC, prosecuting, said Underwood had tried, since obtaining the painting in 1993, to get it removed from a register of missing and stolen artwork so he could sell it.

She said, "They made concerted efforts to legitimise the painting, which had been obtained in criminal circumstances by Mr Underwood."

Blok, 71, of Gowan Avenue, Fulham, faces charges including two counts of perjury, three counts of failing to disclose evidence of money-laundering, and one count each of transferring criminal property, assisting another to obtain property which was a proceed of crime, and possession of criminal property.

Underwood, 64, of Copenhagen Court, Brighton Marina, is accused of concealing criminal property and perjury.

Underwood has a previous conviction for dishonestly obtaining property from an elderly woman in Chelsea. In that case, retired Sussex Police Art and Antiques Squad Detective Simon Muggleton, of Corsica Road Seaford, traced a stolen Porcelain plaque back to 1948, thereby showing Underwood and his accomplice Lee O'Donell were guilty of deception, for which Underwood was jailed.

Both men deny all charges. The trial is expected to last five weeks.

Art Hostage comments:

This is a case of sweet revenge for ex-Sussex Police Art and Antiques Squad icon Simon Muggleton, who has had a long personal feud with Michael "The Ambassador" Underwood.

Although Simon Muggleton retired a couple of years ago, he doggedly worked to seek his vengeance on Underwood and Blok and with the current court case it seems his vengeance is complete, guilty verdict or not.

To be continued.....................

Stolen Art Watch, Brighton Antiques Mafia, Godfather and Lawyer go on Trial !!

The Crown Court

at Lewes

Daily List for Tuesday 6 May 2008 at LAW COURTS, EDWARD STREET, BRIGHTON.

http://www.courtnews1.co.uk/courtlists/current/lewes_T080506.01.htm
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Court 3 - sitting at 10:00 AM


HIS HONOUR JUDGE HAYWARD

For Trial

T20087048 BLOK Anthony H

T20080064 UNDERWOOD Michael D

Art Hostage comments:

Backstory: http://arthostage.blogspot.com/2008/04/stolen-art-watch-history-provides-clue.html

Intriguing to say the least, I'll keep you posted as and when further news emerges !!

Stolen Art Watch, Rapley's Angel's to the Rescue, Banksy forger in the Frame !!

Art Hostage has learnt that whilst we have many outstanding high value stolen antiques still to be located, not least the majority of Harry Hyams stolen antiques, as well as the Rothschild gold box collection, Lowry's from Manchester, the list is endless. Why, the Brighton Antiques Mafia attack on Hastings Museum as seen in the post below should grab the attention.

Considering this what does Scotland Yards Art and Antiques Squad do ?

Send two glamour officers, dubbed "Vernon Rapley's Angels" in pursuit of a Man called Lee Parker for copying Banksy prints and selling them as originals.

Nice to see they are getting their priorities right !!!

The emergence of glamour officers being seconded to Scotland Yard's Art and Antiques Squad leads Vernon Rapley to declare

"I'm emerging from Michelle !!!"

Stolen Art Watch, Brighton Antiques Mafia Strike Back !!

£50,000 worth of antiques stolen from Hastings Museum
http://www.midsussextimes.co.uk/479/50000-worth-of-antiques-stolen.4042303.jp

Burglars have raided Hastings Museum snatching 33 antiques worth a total of £50,000.
The artefact's - mostly made of silver, glass and ceramic - date as far back as the 17th century and include a lacquered gold elephant tusk vase from Japan.

The thieves gained entry to the building in Bohemia Road between 5pm on Wednesday and 8am the following morning.

The museum was closed yesterday while police collected evidence and doors were expected to open to the public within a couple of days.
Security has been stepped at the premises since the break-in and CCTV tapes are being reviewed by police.

Borough council spokesman Kevin Boorman said: "A lot of care was taken to choose items of value and we think they will be sold on. If any antique dealers are offered anything they suspect is stolen, they should contact police.

"It's very sad that visitors to the town's museum will not be able to see these items which are of international repute and part of Hastings' heritage."

Art Hostage comments:

The sheer desirability of art and antiques theft means Police can only offer a "Hitting corks in a barrel" approach.

These items have already been offered for sale according to an anonymous source.

For every action, there is a reaction !!