In and amongst all the other bad acts being reported in connection with the poweful Korean electronics firm, accusations are flying that Samsung's company chairman, Lee Kun-hee diverted some $64 million for the purpose of allowing his wife to buy art.

But this wasn't exactly for buying a Picaso to hang behind the toilet. Lee's wife, Ra Hee Hong Lee, is the director-general of the Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art. The interesting details can be found, here via The Art Newspaper.

-- MDT

Labels: art theft, Lee Kun-hee, Ra Hee Hong Lee, Samsung

As I might have mentioned in this pace previously, some of my earliest investigative works was related to historical art theft. Those archival skills came in hand at the time and that world - theft, counterfeiting, reparations, etc. as fascinated me ever since. If the same is true for you, no doubt you'll enjoy this piece from The Independent.

-- MDT

Labels: art theft, counterfeiting

Some of the earliest investigative work I ever did was related to art theft investigation, owing to my archival background, and to this day it remains some of the most interesting casework I ever had the pleasure of participating in.
Newsweek featured a great article in last week's issue on the changing norms of world art market, covering several recent cases of controversial sales and international prosecution of some high profile dealers and museum curators.

Just fascinating stuff, not just because of the new international legal regime that is emerging, but also for the implications for our shared world heritage.

Check it out: Whose Art Is It? at Newsweek.com.

-- MDT

Labels: art theft, Newsweek