Features and Possibilities of Prevention of Crimes Related to Cultural Goods and Works of Art

Abstract

The inspiration for the paper and the problem(s) that the paper addresses: Crime related to cultural goods and arts is a global phenomenon that ranks high fourth in terms of monetary gains just behind the illegal arms, drugs and money laundering. All previous research in this area has shown that this is an extremely complex problem that requires the cooperation of several different stakeholders and the improvement of the existing approach to solving this phenomenon. Although this is a very serious criminological phenomenon, research in this area is mostly focused on identifying key problems, and less on finding ways to solve these problems.

The goals of the paper (scientific and/or social): The aim of this paper is to present the current knowledge on crime related to cultural goods and arts and to present some of the possibilities for prevention in this area.

Methodology/Design: For the purposes of this paper, the method of traditional literature review was used.

Research/the paper limitations: The paper is of a theoretical charac-ter and the description of the peculiarities and possibilities for prevention activities is largely related to the Republic of Croatia.

Results/findings: Previous research has shown that many people who are not necessarily members of organized crime are involved in the process of illegal trafficking in art and cultural goods. In addition to shortcomings in terms of legislation, the problem is insufficiently trained and under capacitated professional staff, especially police officers, who would recognize cases of illegal trade in works of art and cultural property.

General conclusion: Previous research has mostly successfully iden-tified various features and issues of crime related to works of art and cultural property. However, more research is needed to find ways fro more successful prevention of this this phenomenon. In Croatia, but also in the Balkans, more research is also needed given the geographical importance in terms of international transit and the presence of numerous works of art that can become the target of perpetrators.

Research/the paper justifiability: Crime related to cultural goods and works of art is a global phenomenon with a lack of research in the field of prevention.