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 5 2013 4:47 PM EDT2013-06-05 20:47:13 GMT
We're following breaking details about the serial rapist terrorizing a local neighborhood. FOX 29's Steve Keeley has brand new information this morning.
We're following breaking details about the serial rapist terrorizing a local neighborhood. FOX 29's Steve Keeley has brand new information this morning.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 6:58 PM EDT2013-06-18 22:58:16 GMT
Under a "doomsday" budget now being enacted, schools and students in the city of Philadelphia are facing devastating losses. Philadelphia is trying to convince the state not to let it happen.
Under a "doomsday" budget now being enacted, schools and students in the city of Philadelphia are facing devastating losses. Philadelphia is trying to convince the state not to let it happen.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 6:07 PM EDT2013-06-18 22:07:39 GMT
Published reports are saying this is a murder/suicide. The victim is 47 year old family practice doctor Michelle Liggio, and the alleged gunman is her estranged husband 58 year old Christopher.
Published reports are saying this is a murder/suicide. The victim is 47 year old family practice doctor Michelle Liggio, and the alleged gunman is her estranged husband 58 year old Christopher.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 5:57 PM EDT2013-06-18 21:57:09 GMT
A former teacher in central Pennsylvania is charged with allowing a student to perform body piercings in class. The teacher at Northern York County High School resigned after the incident last April.
A former teacher in central Pennsylvania is charged with allowing a student to perform body piercings in class. The teacher at Northern York County High School resigned after the incident last April.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 5:26 PM EDT2013-06-18 21:26:08 GMT
Torrential rain and storms are moving across the region tonight. The heavy rain is causing flooding for some people out on the roads, particularly in South Jersey and Delaware.
Torrential rain and storms are moving across the region tonight. The heavy rain is causing flooding for some people out on the roads, particularly in South Jersey and Delaware.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 5:20 PM EDT2013-06-18 21:20:41 GMT
Bensalem Police have released a series of photos of the suspect wanted for stabbing a man during a vehicle break-in.It all happened on Monday when the suspect was observed trying to break into vehicle
Bensalem Police have released a series of photos of the suspect wanted for stabbing a man during a vehicle break-in.It all happened on Monday when the suspect was observed trying to break into vehicle
Tuesday, June 18 2013 5:17 PM EDT2013-06-18 21:17:37 GMT
Lots of traffic and police activity, police cameras are everywhere. But that didn't stopped this armed robber from calmly walking into a Dunkin Donuts on camera Monday afternoon and sticking the place up.
Lots of traffic and police activity, police cameras are everywhere. But that didn't stopped this armed robber from calmly walking into a Dunkin Donuts on camera Monday afternoon and sticking the place up.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 3:47 PM EDT2013-06-18 19:47:28 GMT
It was a crime that stunned a Montgomery County community--the murder of a baby and her grandmother. Now, the lawyer for 27-year-old Raghunandan Yandamuri says his client was "pressured" into confessing.
It was a crime that stunned a Montgomery County community--the murder of a baby and her grandmother. Now, the lawyer for 27-year-old Raghunandan Yandamuri says his client was "pressured" into confessing.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 3:41 PM EDT2013-06-18 19:41:03 GMT
A man from Newark Delaware has been charged after he exposed himself to a woman while stopped at a red light. The incident happened on May 1 around 8:30 p.m.
A man from Newark Delaware has been charged after he exposed himself to a woman while stopped at a red light.
