BBC Investigation Uncovers Stolen Artifacts from British Museum

In the BBC Radio 4 series 'Thief at the British Museum,' Katie Razzall leads an investigation into the theft of ancient artifacts, revealing a tale of intrigue and museum oversight flaws.

Investigation into Stolen Artifacts from British Museum

A recent investigation, showcased in the BBC Radio 4 series "Thief at the British Museum," delves into the theft of hundreds of ancient artifacts from the British Museum. Host Katie Razzall, BBC’s culture and media editor, leads the exploration, portraying it as a gripping whodunnit.

The narrative centers around Dr. Ittai Gradel, a Dutch dealer in antiquities who identified the stolen items. Gradel, who has an exceptional memory, noticed that artifacts being sold on eBay by a user named "sultan1966" were actually museum property. The account was later linked to Peter Higgs, a senior curator at the museum, who has since been dismissed and faces a civil lawsuit. The investigation reveals Gradel’s struggle to convince the museum authorities, who were initially reluctant to acknowledge his findings.

This case is set against the backdrop of a perfect mystery, blending elements of suspense with factual investigation, all while highlighting flaws in the museum's oversight of its collection.