On February 21, 2025, AC Executive Director Tess Davis, was featured in an article by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), an internationally renowned investigative journalism organization.
The article sheds light on a collection of artifacts, purportedly acquired by German globe trotter and naval officer Johannes Behrens during his travels. New analysis suggests, however, works from the so-called “Behrens collection”—now scattered amongst the world’s preeminent museums— were stolen and trafficked under false provenance. Indeed Johannes Behrens may never have even existed.
This multi-million dollar fraud case reveals how antiquities trafficking networks operate at the highest levels, but ultimately rely on simple schemes. Museums, collectors, and dealers must take stronger measures to verify provenance and avoid acquiring trafficked cultural artifacts.
Executive Director Tess Davis highlighted the importance of transparency and accountability within the art and antiquities market.
“Antiquities can easily surpass the value of a car or real estate, but unlike them, good titles can be incredibly difficult to prove…If buyers and sellers are treating art and antiquities as an asset, the law must as well.”
The AC remains committed to combating the illicit trade in antiquities and supporting efforts to repatriate looted cultural property. As more light is shed on these networks, we will continue to work with our partners around the world to stop criminals from exploiting the art market, while preserving cultural heritage, protecting consumers, and empowering those communities most impacted.
Read the OCCRP article, here.
Revisit “Watching this Space: Museum Actions Speak Louder than Announcements,” here.