The Illicit Antiquities Trade as a Transnational Criminal Network: Characterizing and Anticipating Trafficking of Cultural Heritage

TLDR

The illicit antiquities trade appears complex, but network analysis reveals a simple underlying structure governed by geographic, economic, political, and cultural rules. The study charts interactions from source to market using a criminal network approach. Participants are linked by single interactions forming loosely based networks, enabling the mapping of trade flows. These flexible network structures explain trade variability, inform debates on organized crime, terrorism, and the Internet, and enable anticipation and strategy development to combat trafficking.

Abstract

Abstract The illicit antiquities trade is composed of a diverse population of participants that gives the appearance of complexity; however, using the network paradigm, a simple underlying structure is revealed based on specific geographical, economic, political, and cultural rules. This article uses a wide range of source material to chart interactions from source to market using a criminal network approach. Interchangeable participants are connected through single interactions to form loosely based networks. These flexible network structures explain the variability observed within the trade, as well as provide the basis behind ongoing debates about the roles of organized crime, terrorism, and the Internet in antiquities trafficking. Finally, a network understanding of trade's organization allows for anticipation, though not necessarily prediction, of antiquities trafficking and offers the opportunity to develop new strategies for combating the trade.