It was the biggest art heist in U.S. history, and now we're learning it has Philadelphia ties.
Police say they know who is responsible for stealing almost $600 million worth of art from Boston's Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. But they are not identifying those crooks because the statute of limitations has expired.
It happened 23 years ago, in 1990. Two men reportedly dressed up as police officers and claimed they were investigating a disturbance at the museum.
The FBI thinks the thieves sold that art right here in Philadelphia.
"For the first time, we could say with a high degree of confidence, we've determined that in the year since the theft, the art was transported to Connecticut and to the Philadelphia area," FBI Special Agent Richard DesLauriers said.
The 13 pieces of art included works from Rembrandt and Vermeer. The FBI still doesn't know where the missing art is.
The agency has followed leads all over the world.
The museum is offering a $5-million reward for information that leads to the recovery of the missing pieces.
The FBI stressed that anyone with information about the artwork may contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL FBI (1-800-225-5324) or the museum directly or through a third party. Tips may also be submitted online at https://tips.fbi.gov.
The publicity campaign announced Monday includes a dedicated FBI website on the Gardner Museum theft, video postings on FBI social media sites, publicity on digital billboards in Philadelphia region, and a podcast. To view and listen to these items, link to the FBI's new website about the theft: www.FBI.gov/gardner.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 12:36 PM EDT2013-06-19 16:36:01 GMT
Today is National Dine Out Day! Over 2,000 restaurants are participating and locally, the funds raise will go to support Hurricane Sandy victims and relief efforts. New Jersey Governor Chris Christie
Today is National Dine Out Day! Over 2,000 restaurants are participating and locally, the funds raise will go to support Hurricane Sandy victims and relief efforts. New Jersey Governor Chris Christie
Wednesday, June 19 2013 11:47 AM EDT2013-06-19 15:47:57 GMT
Food Network Star is in it's 9th season and this time around, we have a Philly guy competing!Meet Ambler's Chad Rosenthal.He is a self-taught chef who started cooking at just 5-years old. This morning,
Food Network Star is in it's 9th season and this time around, we have a Philly guy competing!Meet Ambler's Chad Rosenthal.He is a self-taught chef who started cooking at just 5-years old. This morning,
Wednesday, June 19 2013 11:22 AM EDT2013-06-19 15:22:31 GMT
Everyone remembers Cabbage Patch Dolls. They were those cherub-faced dolls that had yarn hair. A fan of those dolls is making and selling wigs to look exactly like the toy!They come in all shapes, sizes
Everyone remembers Cabbage Patch Dolls. They were those cherub-faced dolls that had yarn hair. A fan of those dolls is making and selling wigs to look exactly like the toy!They come in all shapes, sizes
Wednesday, June 19 2013 10:44 AM EDT2013-06-19 14:44:27 GMT
An admitted father and son pimp team has been acquitted of sex trafficking. A judge delivered the verdict Wednesday at the trial of George Vincent Sr. and his son, George Vincent Jr.
An admitted father and son pimp team has been acquitted of sex trafficking. A judge delivered the verdict Wednesday at the trial of George Vincent Sr. and his son, George Vincent Jr.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 10:38 AM EDT2013-06-19 14:38:47 GMT
Last year, Fox 29's Sheinelle Jones gave birth to beautiful twins. As a result of carrying those sweet babies, she developed a ventral hernia.After much thought, research and interviewing, Sheinelle decided
Last year, Fox 29's Sheinelle Jones gave birth to beautiful twins. As a result of carrying those sweet babies, she developed a ventral hernia.After much thought, research and interviewing, Sheinelle decided
Wednesday, June 19 2013 9:19 AM EDT2013-06-19 13:19:02 GMT
The Rolling Stones rocked Philly last night and out Mike Jerrick was there - front and center!Mick Jagger sauntered (as only Mick can) right past Mike and we have the footage.So, how was Mike's first Stones
The Rolling Stones rocked Philly last night and our Mike Jerrick was there - front and center!Mick Jagger sauntered (as only Mick can) right past Mike and we have the footage.So, how was Mike's first Stones
Wednesday, June 19 2013 9:15 AM EDT2013-06-19 13:15:45 GMT
AP PHOTO
Pope Francis has given a 17-year-old boy with Down Syndrome the ride of his life -- sort of. Francis invited Alberto di Tullio up onto his open-top Mercedes at the end of his general audience Wednesday,
Pope Francis has given a 17-year-old boy with Down Syndrome the ride of his life -- sort of. Francis invited Alberto di Tullio up onto his open-top Mercedes at the end of his general audience Wednesday,
Wednesday, June 19 2013 7:38 AM EDT2013-06-19 11:38:35 GMT
In Delaware County, a man is charged with raping a woman. And what led to his arrest--her iPhone. Upper Darby police arrested 23-year-old Gaurave Kumar for sexually assaulting his ex-girlfriend.
In Delaware County, a man is charged with raping a woman. And what led to his arrest--her iPhone. Upper Darby police arrested 23-year-old Gaurave Kumar for sexually assaulting his ex-girlfriend.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 7:27 AM EDT2013-06-19 11:27:56 GMT
An NFL player has reportedly been questioned as part of a murder investigation. Police say he's not a suspect, but they think he could shed some light on the crime.
An NFL player has reportedly been questioned as part of a murder investigation. Police say he's not a suspect, but they think he could shed some light on the crime.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 7:17 AM EDT2013-06-19 11:17:13 GMT
There will be a special investigative committee hearing Wednesday morning at City Hall regarding the deadly building collapse earlier this month in Center City.
There will be a special investigative committee hearing Wednesday morning at City Hall regarding the deadly building collapse earlier this month in Center City.
