Why the Trade in Looted Antiquities Endures: The Power of Demand

The Trade in Looted Antiquities Endures for One Reason: Demand

I explore how the illicit trade in looted antiquities from Cambodia, Iraq, and Ukraine persists despite legal crackdowns. While investigations into networks like Douglas Latchford's have dismantled some operations, the market remains robust because wealthy buyers continue to prioritize the thrill of possession over legal risks. Only by eliminating this demand can we truly stop the theft of cultural heritage.

"The purchasers of stolen art are unlike the buyers of say, fentanyl. Rather than being compelled by addiction, most are economic actors making a rational risk calculation, betting that the potential legal and reputational costs are outweighed by the benefits."