What happened at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in 1990?

In 1990, 13 priceless items, including works by Rembrandt and Vermeer, were stolen from the museum by two men disguised as police officers.

Who investigated the Gardner Museum heist?

Geoffrey Kelly, who handled the case for the FBI for 22 years, has written a book detailing his investigation and theories.

What theories exist about the Gardner Museum theft?

Over the years, theories have implicated organized crime groups like the Corsican and Irish mobs, as well as other art thieves and insiders.

Home / Crime and Justice / Gardner Heist: Ex-FBI Agent Names Suspects

Gardner Heist: Ex-FBI Agent Names Suspects

18 Mar

•

Summary

1990 Boston museum theft saw 13 masterpieces vanish.
Two men impersonating police committed the brazen heist.
An ex-FBI agent reveals his theory on the culprits.

Gardner Heist: Ex-FBI Agent Names Suspects

Thirteen priceless items, including works by Rembrandt and Vermeer, were stolen from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston on March 18, 1990. Two individuals disguised as police officers gained entry, subdued the guards, and absconded with the art. This event is the largest art theft in U.S. history, and its investigation has spanned over three decades.

Numerous theories regarding the culprits have emerged over the years, implicating various organized crime syndicates, including the Corsican and Irish mobs, as well as individual art thieves and even museum insiders. The FBI investigated many of these leads extensively.

Geoffrey Kelly, who led the FBI's investigation for 22 years, addresses these theories in his new book, "Thirteen Perfect Fugitives." He debunks many popular speculations and presents his own conclusions about the individuals he believes were responsible for the audacious theft, though they were never formally prosecuted.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.