A Stunning Raid

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A Stunning Raid

Published: January 24, 2008 @ 11:20 am

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By Sharon Waxman

Quick breaking news: a stunning raid by federal agents on four museums -- including the Los Angeles County Museum of Art -- and one art gallery in California this morning, seeking evidence on suspicion of trafficking in looted art, mainly from Asia. Here is the carefully prepared piece by the L.A. Times that has just gone up on its web-site, which notes this major development: "The 120 pages of search warrants filed publicly today paint a picture of rampant fraud and theft. The documents suggest that the involvement of American museums in the purchase of looted art is far more extensive than even recent high-profile scandals have indicated." Here's the full story, and I will update later. (Tune in to Patt Morrison on KPCC today at 2 pm, where I will be discussing the issue in her segment on this news break.) Update: Here is the New York Times version of the story, finally.

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Description

Sharon Waxman's take on life on the left coast, high culture, low culture and the business of entertainment and media.

Follow me on Twitter @sharonwaxman and follow TheWrap @thewrap!

Sharon is also the author of two books, Rebels on the Back Lot and Loot.

Rebels on the Back Lot: Six Maverick Directors and How They Conquered the Hollywood Studio System

Loot: The Battle over the Stolen Treasures of the Ancient World

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