The trafficking in art and antiques is not a new crime. In the 1490's Lorenzo de'Medici requested Michelangelo in Florence to make his statue to look as if it had been buried in order to sell for an ancient piece for more money. This is an indication that art has gradually increased as an investment option over the years. Ancient Romans adored ancient Greek art, and workshops in the Imperial City created tonnes of reproductions, …showed first 75 words of 2012 total…

…showed last 75 words of 2012 total…department, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs', 31JUL03 Walker, John, (former researcher for the AIC), 19/07/03 Reports: 'Art Crime', Australian Institute of Criminology, October 2000, No.170, Dr Adam Graycar, 'Opening Comments' (1999) Paper presented at the Art Crime Protecting Art, Protecting Artists and Protecting Consumers Conference convened by the Australian Institute of Criminology 'Regulating the Market in Illicit Antiquities', Australian Institute of Criminology September 2002, No 239 Trends and Issues in Crime and criminal justice, Australian Institute of Criminology, September 2002