Antiquities Dealer Ittai Gradel Dead at 61

Danish antiquities dealer Ittai Gradel has died at age 61 in Denmark after renal cancer, days after the British Museum awarded him a medal for his contributions, officials said.

Gradel played a central role in bringing to light the disappearance and damage of items from the British Museum’s collection, a case that triggered a police investigation and a major internal reckoning at the institution.

British Museum case involved about 2,000 items

The British Museum acknowledged in 2023 that roughly 2,000 objects were stolen, missing, or damaged, according to statements tied to the case.

The items were described as mainly classical gems and gold jewelry linked to the ancient Mediterranean area.

Warnings in 2021 were initially dismissed

Gradel first raised concerns in 2021 after identifying objects he believed belonged to the museum being offered for sale online, the account of events said.

His early alerts were initially rejected by the British Museum, despite his claims that the listings matched collection material.

Online purchases and evidence shared with police

Over several years, Gradel bought dozens of the artifacts on eBay and later reported what he had found to both the British Museum and the police, officials said.

He also provided evidence that included a PayPal receipt, which he said pointed to a senior curator, Peter Higgs.

Higgs has denied wrongdoing. He was dismissed after 30 years of service, according to the details provided in the case narrative.

Resignation of director Hartwig Fischer

Gradel’s continued efforts ultimately contributed to the resignation of the museum’s then-director, Hartwig Fischer, the account said.

Fischer said the institution had not handled Gradel’s initial reports adequately.

Items returned and digitization plans announced

Gradel signed more than 360 items he had purchased online back to the British Museum, according to the information shared about his role.

Before his death, he said he was frustrated that he had not lived to see the case resolved.

Following the scandal, the British Museum announced plans to digitize its collection.