Ep 4. Boston's Unsolved Art Heist

In Mission Declassified season 1 episode 4, titled "Boston's Unsolved Art Heist," investigative journalist Christof Putzel dives into the infamous 1990 theft at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston. The heist saw 13 priceless works of art, including paintings by Vermeer and Rembrandt, stolen by two men posing as police officers, in what remains the largest unsolved art theft in history.

Putzel begins his investigation by speaking to the museum's current director, Peggy Fogelman, who explains the magnitude of the loss, both historically and culturally. Putzel then meets with retired FBI agent Harold H. Shaw, who was part of the team that investigated the heist. Shaw shares his experience during the initial stages of the investigation, from the museum’s staff reluctance to provide information to their difficulty obtaining sufficient evidence and statements from possible witnesses.

Putzel then interviews co-founder of the DNA-based authentication company, Art Crime Research Center, Dr. James Martin, who explains the unfiltered art market and the trade in stolen artifacts. Martin discusses how stolen pieces of art are often used as collateral for international drug trades and terrorism financing.

Putzel then meets with Anthony Amore, the current director of security at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, who gives an in-depth account of what occurred on the night of the theft and the museum's current efforts to recover the stolen art. Putzel discovers a significant development in the case, as the museum is now offering a $10 million reward for information leading to the art's recovery.

In pursuit of possible leads, Putzel speaks with former FBI agent Robert Wittman, who created the FBI's art crime team that is responsible for recovering over $300 million in stolen art during his time there. Wittman shares his experience working on the Gardner Museum heist, including certain developments which he believes could uncover the identity of the thieves.

Finally, Putzel takes to the streets, following up on leads that suggest some of the stolen art may be circulating in the black market of Boston. Putzel meets with an art dealer and a private investigator to discuss what they know of the case and the various rumors circulating about who might have been involved in the heist.

Through his investigation, Putzel manages to uncover new information that could potentially lead to the recovery of the stolen art. Boston's Unsolved Art Heist takes a new look at this notorious crime and the people behind it, shedding new light on the complexities of recovering stolen art.