Art criminologist warns stolen $1m Lindauer paintings could be used for ransom

Abstract

Interview in relation to the theft of Lindauer paintings in Parnell on 1 April 2017. Art historian Dr Ngarino Ellis, who runs a class on art crime at the University of Auckland, said the theft ranked as one of New Zealand's biggest ever art crimes. "It's quite incredible that someone's actually done this," Ellis said. "Lindauer and Goldie, to steal one of those is very unusual - you just simply wouldn't be able to sell them in New Zealand. "They probably thought they could steal them, try to sell them on the black market, or ransom them, which they might try to do. That wouldn't surprise me. "People have tried to do that before in New Zealand but not with Goldie or Lindauer, but it is known overseas that some art thieves try and get ransoms." Ellis said there wasn't much of a black market for art in New Zealand, and they were more prevalent in countries where large organised crime syndicates operated. "The ransom thing is usually politically-motivated with groups who have some agenda. Or else it's just a common thief who wants to try and get some money." She said displaying the Lindauers in the front window was "tempting fate". "Given the prices that the International Art Centre can get for paintings like that - I'm not sure extra security was taken, I presume it was - I'm not sure that that was the most prudent thing to do."