[MSN] FBI steps in to hunt for stolen £50m Madonna

[Museum Security Network Mailinglist]

FBI steps in to hunt for stolen £50m Madonna 
 
PHIL MILLER, Arts Correspondent November 27 2006 
 
It is one of the Scottish art world's most baffling mysteries – and has now
become one of the Federal Bureau of Investigations' most urgent cases.
The FBI's art crime unit, based in Washington DC, has further highlighted
the case of Leonardo da Vinci's Madonna with the Yarnwinder, stolen from the
Duke of Buccleuch's Drumlanrig Castle, north of Dumfries, in 2003.
The case has moved up to seventh on the FBI's art crime most wanted list and
its image is prominently displayed on the logo of its art crime unit. 
Since the case appeared on the BBC Crimewatch two years ago, no developments
have been announced or reported.
The FBI has classified the seriousness of the theft of the masterpiece –
worth between £25m and £50m – alongside some of the most expensive and
notorious art thefts worldwide, and put it on the list alongside crimes such
as the large-scale looting of Iraq after the 2003 war. 
During the robbery, on August 27, 2003, two men dressed as tourists taking a
public tour of the castle overpowered a young tour guide and stole the
painting, painted between 1500 and 1510. 
With two accomplices, the men escaped in a white Volkswagen Golf, which was
abandoned nearby.
It is understood the men pulled the painting from the staircase hall where
it was hanging. It has been speculated the painting may have been damaged in
the process, as its frame was removed. 
Dumfries and Galloway police issued an appeal for information about a
possible second getaway car, a black BMW spotted near Carronbridge that
morning.
The FBI established its crime team in 2004. With 12 special agents
responsible for investigating art crimes, it is backed up by three special
attorneys from the US Department of Justice. 
Experts in art theft have said they believe the painting was still somewhere
in Scotland, rather than in London or abroad. 
Theories of who the robbers are have run from organised crime gangs, to the
IRA, to a gang of gypsies.
This week, a police spokesman said investigations were ongoing but had
nothing new to add.
Anyone who has any information on the case is asked to contact police at
Dumfries on 0845 600 5701.