Apparently they can be used as collateral between criminals for loans. They can also be used as an insurance policy if the criminal is ever caught. Offer to exchange the art for a lesser sentence. A literal get out of jail free card.
Thanks, I was familiar with the anecdote but couldn't remember the source. I did a quick search but didn't find it. I thought it may have happened with a major drug dealer as well? Not sure on that.
-A few years ago, months after Norway had witnessed a HEAT-style armed robbery during which a police officer was killed, Edvard Munch’s ‘The Scream’ and ‘Madonna’ were stolen from the National Gallery to divert resources away from the ongoing manhunt after the HEAT robbery.
