The Impact of the Criminal Law and Money Laundering Measures Upon the Illicit Trade in Art and Antiquities

Ulph, J. (2011), ‘The Impact of the Criminal Law and Money Laundering Measures Upon the Illicit Trade in Art and Antiquities’, Art Antiquity and Law XVI (1), 39-52.

This article provides an overview of English criminal legislation which may help to combat the illicit trade in cultural objects. It analyses legislative measures passed following the UK’s accession to the UNESCO Convention, such as the Dealing in Cultural Objects (Offences) Act 2003. The scope of individual offences and the extent to which they provide a robust deterrent to the trade in stolen art and antiquities are discussed. The article argues that one of the most important steps which any nation can take to combat the illicit trade is to ensure that their domestic law provides clear rules in relation to ownership of undiscovered antiquities. It is also suggested that, over the next decade, money laundering measures will become one of the most powerful and flexible weapons in tackling this trade both in this country and overseas.