How to Steal a Masterpiece

How to get on a Watchlist

In this episode, we chat with Robert K. Wittman on art robberies, heists, and protective security in the art world.

Robert K. Wittman is the former Senior Investigator and Founder of the US Federal Bureau of Investigation's National Art Crime Team. Robert joined the FBI as a Special Agent in 1988 and during his 20 year career with the Bureau, he recovered more than $300 million worth of stolen art and cultural property. He has represented the United States around the world conducting investigations and instructing international police departments and museums in investigation, recovery and security techniques. In 2008, Robert retired from the Bureau and brought his expertise to the private sector, where he helps clients mitigate risks related to theft, fraud and forgery. Since its inception, Robert Wittman Inc. has grown to also provide protection and recovery services to more than 100 public and private collections worldwide. In 2010, Robert Wittman penned and published the New York Times best-selling memoir “Priceless: How I Went Undercover to Rescue the World’s Stolen Treasures”.

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe on your podcast platform of choice. Please also consider supporting our work via a Patreon subscription (getting you access to early releases and other perks), or by tipping us on Ko-fi. While the topics we discuss here are often shrouded in secrecy and security classifications, we really hope you’ll tell your friends about us!