An Integrated Approach to Combating Art Crime

• In Event: Roundtable: Advancing Research and Collaboration in Cultural Property Crime

Abstract

Tasoula Hadjitofi founder of Walk of Truth is responsible for tracking and repatriating over 5,500 artifacts worldwide. The Turkish Invasion of Cyprus in 1974 forced her to flee her native country as a refugee and her firsthand experience that cultural cleansing had on her identity inspired her to create Walk of Truth, an NGO based in The Netherlands. Walk of Truth’s mission is to empower and mobilize the average citizen to liaise with the appropriate authorities. Walk of Truth works with law enforcement, Interpol, Europol, and politicians to develop recovery action and legislative changes via its digital network of Cultural Crime Watchers Worldwide (CCWW™). CCWW receives anonymous tips about looting, theft and destruction of cultural heritage. Our most recent training included twelve Scotland Yard officers at UCL London on ways to combat the illicit art trade including the role of the public. We currently provide substantive and secretarial services to the All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Protection Cultural Heritage (APPG) in the British Parliament (launched 2015), and organize and host conferences annually. More information on recent events can be found on our website www.walkoftruth.org.

Author

• Tasoula Hadjitofi, Walk of Truth