Former Louvre director investigated for trafficking in antiquities

Former Louvre director and president Jean-Luc Martinez is under investigation for suspected trafficking in antiquities from the Near to Middle East. In fact, he has been placed on the register of suspects for “laundering and aiding and abetting fraud in an organized gang” of objects purchased from the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Louvre Abu Dhabi. He was placed under arrest along with two renowned Egyptologists, Vincent Rondot and Olivier Perdu, at the Central Office for Combating Trafficking in Cultural Property (OCBC): these were released, while Martinez was investigated and placed under judicial supervision.

Authorities are trying to find out whether the former director was careless about the certificates of origin of five pieces of Egyptian antiquities that were acquired by the Louvre Abu Dhabi, particularly the acquisition of a pink granite stele. If so, it would appear that the five pieces were illegally taken out of Egypt.

After the Louvre, Martinez was appointed ambassador for international cooperation in the field of cultural heritage. The former director’s lawyers let it be known that “Martinez disputes his interrogation in the strongest terms. He reserves his statements for the moment for the courts and has no doubt that his good faith will be established.”

Pictured is the Louvre Abu Dhabi. Photo by Greg Garay

Former Louvre director investigated for trafficking in antiquities

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