This volume provides an overview of the ways criminals launder money through art. It features specific case studies and offers a number of concrete recommendations to improve the fight against illegal money laundering via artwork.  

​The art world has been discovered by criminals as an effective way for money laundering and other clandestine activities on an international level. Unfortunately, in most countries investigators, prosecutors, judges, and regulatory agencies are not equipped to accurately detect, investigate and prosecute this type of criminal activity. Also, regulation and international laws and treaties involving the art world have many loopholes that can potentially lead to the laundering of large sums of money. This book provides a bird’s eye view of novel ways in which money laundering happens through illegal activities involving art. It can serve as a guide for law enforcement, prosecutors, judges, and others involved in efforts to curb money laundering and financing of terrorism, revealing why somehow new techniques used by criminals have been neglected by law enforcement in most countries. Drawing from his own experience with the matter in both Brazil and in the United States, the author makes a case for broader institutional and regulatory improvement, extending beyond mere regulation of the art market.

​Introduction Chapter I  Civil and Criminal Legislation regarding Money Laundering and the Preservation of Cultural Heritage Chapter II Deterring Criminals from Engaging in Financial Crimes Chapter III Preventing and investigating crimes using Art Chapter IV Cases in Jurisprudence and in the Press. Chapter V Payments through Illegal or Disguised Means, and Misuse of NGOs, Trusts, Associations or Foundations Chapter VI International Legal Cooperation and Repatriation Chapter VII VII.1. Answers to Initial Questions Chapter VIII Proposals to Improve the War against Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing   Conclusion