Combating the illicit art trade in the European Union: Europol's role in recovering stolen artwork

International art theft has increased throughout the 1990s, with the number of art and antiques thefts doubling in the past few decades. Stolen art transactions constitute approximately five percent of the entire art market. Yet, this seemingly small percentage translates to anywhere between $2 billion to $6 billion of art and antiques stolen every year. The high market value of many artworks makes art theft one of the most profitable criminal enterprises, behind only drug trafficking and illegal arms dealing.