Introduction

International disputes over cultural property seem to be on the increase. The unfortunate increase in armed conflicts in areas which are rich in cultural heritage provide fertile ground for plunder and pillaging. Later, in peacetime, this may prove instrumental in giving rise to international disputes over stolen and trafficked pieces of cultural property. At the same time, a greater number of disputes in the field may also be taken as a positive sign; namely, as an indicator of successful criminal investigations leading to new discoveries of artworks stolen in the past and ...