The illegal trade or theft of objects with artistic or historic value is called what?

• A. Art theft
• B. Credit card crimes
• C. Organized crime
• D. Mafia

Answer: (A)

Art theft refers to the illegal taking or sale of objects with artistic or historic value, such as paintings, sculptures, antiquities, or cultural artifacts. This term specifically names crimes centered on cultural property, whether the work is stolen from a museum, gallery, or private collection, or moved through an illicit market. It is distinct from other crime categories: credit card crimes focus on financial data and fraud, while organized crime and the Mafia describe networks or groups involved in various illegal activities rather than a specific type of property crime. So, for the described wrongdoing—illegal trade or theft of artistic or historic objects—the precise label is art theft.