British Museum Curator Denies Theft of Gems: Investigation Underway
In a shocking turn of events, a British Museum curator has been dismissed from his position after being accused of stealing valuable gems and jewelry worth millions of pounds. Peter John Higgs, an expert on ancient Greece who had worked at the museum for 35 years, vehemently denies the allegations. His son, Greg, insists that his father is innocent and that the dismissal has been devastating for him.
The accusations came to light when an antiquities expert noticed a piece of Roman jewelry being offered for sale on eBay in 2020. This led to an investigation, and Mr. Higgs’ dismissal this summer. However, he has not been arrested or charged with any crimes thus far.
Greg Higgs expressed his father’s shock and disbelief regarding the accusations. He emphasized that his father had a spotless record throughout his long career at the museum and was recognized as a world expert in his field. Losing his job and reputation has profoundly affected him.
The missing items, which include gold jewelry, semi-precious stones, and glass dating back to the ancient times, were primarily used for research and academic purposes and were not on public display at the time of their disappearance. These valuable artifacts were noticed missing before 2023, suggesting that the thefts occurred over a significant period of time.
The British Museum has experienced missing items in the past, including coins, medals, and statues. As a result, security measures have been tightened, and the institution is working closely with outside experts to determine the extent of the losses. The Metropolitan Police’s economic crime command is also investigating the matter.
Hartwig Fischer, the director of the British Museum, expressed apologies for the incident. He emphasized the museum’s commitment to rectifying the situation and recovering the missing objects. Security arrangements have been reinforced to prevent future thefts.
As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the allegations against Peter John Higgs will be substantiated or if there may be other factors involved in the disappearance of the valuable gems and jewelry. The British Museum will continue to cooperate with the authorities to shed light on this alarming incident.
