The illicit trade in art and antiquities is a global, multibillion-dollar trade. It is often categorized as a type of transnational, organized crime. Due to a lack of transparency within the trade and the persistent desire of public and private collectors to find the ‘best’ objects, the looting and trafficking of antiquities is still rampant. Although research has been done after the structure, nature and effect of the illicit antiquities trade, little is known about the transit stage of this illicit trade. This presentation will highlight the practicalities of illicit trade in the global city, taking Hong Kong as example. It will explore what factors within this specific urban context facilitate illicitness and illegality, and how Hong Kong functions as so-called ‘transition portal’ for the global illicit antiquities trade. 

About the speaker:
Dr. Emiline Smith is a Lecturer in Art Crime and Criminology within the Scottish Centre for Crime and Justice Research at the University of Glasgow. Her research concerns the trafficking of ‘special commodities’, such as antiquities, wildlife and natural resources. Her research primarily focuses on Asia; she has done fieldwork in Hong Kong, China, Indonesia, Myanmar, Nepal and Singapore. Dr. Smith explores the practicalities of illicit trade networks, how and why participants take part in illicit transnational trade, and how urban settings, especially global cities, facilitate illicit trade.

Light refreshment will be served. Live broadcast will be available at Faculty Board Room, 6/F, Lee Shau Kee Building, CUHK, Shatin.