Major Press Coverage of The Man Who Stole the Gods Shines New Light on Cambodia’s Stolen Past
June 24, 2026
AC co-hosts talk with author Matthew Campbell on the Latchford network and the human cost of cultural racketeering
The Antiquities Coalition was proud to co-host, with New America, a discussion featuring journalist and author Matt Campbell on his new book, The Man Who Stole the Gods. The event brought together experts, advocates, and members of the public for an important conversation about one of the most consequential antiquities trafficking cases of the modern era: the Douglas Latchford network.
Campbell’s book traces how antiquities dealer Latchford built a vast network to funnel looted Cambodian antiquities through the global art market, and into prominent private collections and major museums.
During the event, Campbell, journalist Peter Bergen, and AC Executive Director Tess Davis explored the scale and persistence of Latchford’s criminal enterprise and the lasting harm it inflicted on Cambodia and its people.
The speakers agreed, deep-dives like The Man Who Stole the Gods are essential to help policymakers, law enforcement, museums, and the public better understand the human costs of antiquities trafficking and the need for stronger safeguards. Far from victimless crimes, acts of cultural racketeering can devastate communities, erase history, and fuel armed conflict and instability.
Much of Latchford’s pillage has been linked to the Khmer Rouge, the regime responsible for one of the twentieth century’s worst genocides. Understanding how these “blood antiquities” entered the international market is essential to recognizing the broader security, ethical, and human consequences of cultural racketeering.
With this investigation comes an opportunity for recovery. Latchford’s network placed looted Cambodian antiquities into respected institutions across the United States and beyond. American museums have an opportunity to identify additional trafficked objects, partner with law enforcement, and support the return of cultural heritage to the people of Cambodia.
The Antiquities Coalition remains committed to advancing public awareness, supporting rigorous investigation, and promoting solutions that protect cultural heritage from criminal exploitation. Greater transparency and continued scrutiny of trafficking networks like Latchford’s are essential to accountability, justice, and the protection of our shared cultural heritage.
Find more information on The Man Who Stole the Gods, here.
Watch a recording of the full discussion, here.