Some of the stolen pieces have been recovered from the British Museum. An estimated two thousand historical artifacts are missing, stolen or damaged. It is not known how many items were recovered.
Chairman George Osborne said on BBC Radio 4’s program on Saturday today that he “could have done more” to prevent the thefts.
Many items have now appeared. “Some members of the archaeological community are actively working with us,” Osborne said. “Discoveries are a bright spot in this darkness.” The chief is confident that honest people will return the loot. “But I realize that some may not.”
A Museum of London employee was fired last week in connection with the theft. The museum says it wants to take legal action against the former employee now. The police started the investigation.
Museum director Hartwig Fischer resigned for making incorrect estimates. Osborne also admitted wrongdoing.
And in 2021, there was already a warning about thefts in the museum. “We think we’ve been victims of theft for a long time and frankly more could have been done to prevent it,” Osborne said.
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