Ex-British Museum worker faces court for stealing and selling artifacts online.
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The British Museum is taking legal action against ex-curator Peter Higgs for allegedly stealing hundreds of artifacts and trying to sell them online. Higgs was fired in July 2023 after the museum noticed over 1,800 items missing.
A judge has told Higgs he must return any stolen items and show his eBay and PayPal records. The museum has managed to get back 356 items and is working to recover more.
The museum's lawyer stated that the stolen items are very important because they have cultural and historical value. The lawyer also mentioned that Higgs tried to hide his actions by using fake names and selling the artifacts for less money.
Higgs, who says he didn't steal anything, was too sick to go to the court hearing. Even though the police are looking into it, Higgs hasn't been charged with doing anything illegal yet.
After the thefts became public, the museum's director quit, saying sorry for not listening to earlier warnings about items being sold online. The scandal has damaged the museum's reputation, a place loved by 6 million visitors a year for its incredible history and art.
Questions
Why was ex-curator Peter Higgs fired from the British Museum?
Higgs was fired in July 2023 after the museum noticed over 1,800 items missing.
How many stolen items has the museum managed to get back so far?
The museum has managed to get back 356 items and is working to recover more.
Why did the museum's director quit after the thefts became public?
The scandal has damaged the museum's reputation, a place loved by 6 million visitors a year for its incredible history and art.
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