Law, crime and regulation

The Manhattan district attorney’s office is investigating a multi-million-pound Asian antiquities ‘trafficking ring’ and has arrested a British antiques restorer as part of the case.

A dozen items deemed national treasures were bought by institutions between May 2018 and April 2020 with a value of £7.6m, according to the latest report.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has launched a consultation on extending the near-total ban on the antique ivory trade.

The UK government has confirmed that from July 19 in England many of the coronavirus restrictions will be relaxed.

New VAT rules have been put in place by the European Union for distance selling.

Two paintings stolen from Greece's National Gallery in 2012 have been recovered and a builder has confessed to the crime, according to Reuters.

A group of silver and silver plate items have been stolen from the Cutlers' Hall in Sheffield and police are seeking information on the incident.

A court victory for textile dealer S Franses will have wider implications for rents across the West End of London, experts predict.

Old Master pictures from the Dutch ‘Golden Age’ will be offered as part of Christie’s Classic Week of sales in July.

Insurers acting for the owners of Arundel Castle have offered a substantial reward for the safe return of all or part of the collection of items stolen on the night of May 21.

A rare Renaissance roundel has been temporarily blocked from export by the UK government in the hope a buyer in the UK will emerge.