Crime that involves art and antiquities can may include theft, looting, trafficking and fraud. Works of art might be stolen and moved across state lines or destroyed. It could happen in times of war or peace, by individuals, groups of people or states.

Annually, the FBI estimates that billions of dollars is lost because of art crimes. It is behind drug crimes and arms trafficking in monetary losses. Sometimes the art works are used as collateral or money in other dark markets. Other times, the art or forgeries are sold to unscrupulous buyers.