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British Museum warned reputation seriously damaged and treasures will take decades to recover

Close observers of the antiquities market tend to be a cynical bunch, having witnessed any number of scams, dubious practices and illicit trading. Yet there was a collective expression of shock among them last week when news emerged of the unexplained absence of a reported around 2,000 items from the British Museum’s priceless collection of ancient and historical artefacts, leading to the resignation of director Hartwig Fischer.

The museum has announced an inquiry, more than two years after officials were first informed of illicit sales from its collection, and police have also launched an investigation. On Friday museum director Hartwig Fischer announced he was stepping down following the suspected thefts.

But already serious damage has been done to the museum’s reputation, giving fresh momentum to arguments for the return of object to their original homes.

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