Trafficking in Cultural Objects: An Empirical Overview

This paper reviews a selection of the main empirical studies in the field of the international illicit trade in cultural objects. For the purpose of analysis it divides the available literature into qualitative or quantitative studies, and whether the main object of study is the market or the supply end of the trading chain. The main object of the paper is to draw  together much of the existing evidence on the illicit trade, for ease of reference by researchers in the field. We do not review individual studies in depth here, but readers should find the references useful if they want to follow up any of the research in more depth.

Article published in:

MANACORDA Stefano, VISCONTI Arianna (eds), 'Beni culturali e sistema penale,  Atti del Convegno Prevenzione e contrasto dei reati contro il patrimonio culturale. La dimensione nazionale ed internazionale. Prevention and Fight against Illicit Trafficking in Cultural Property. The National and International Dimension.'Milano, 16 gennaio 2013, Vita e Pensiero, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore

Please see information on publication (in Italian) here.