[CPProt.net] Michel van Rijn released without charges

[MusSecNetworkCulPropProtNet]

Michel van Rijn released without charges

Ex-smuggler and self-styled exposer of art crime is free due to lack of
evidence
By Cristina Ruiz

Michel van Rijn, the Dutch dealer and art smuggler turned police informant,
was released on 26 January by Swiss police who had arrested him six days
earlier, upon his arrival in Basel, for alleged blackmail. A Swiss judge
ruled that there was not enough evidence to detain Mr Van Rijn. The former
dealer is now back in London, where he lives.

The Art Newspaper understands that Mr Van Rijn was travelling to Basel to
meet Mario Roberty, a Basel-based lawyer who represents the Lebanese-born
dealers, Hicham and Ali Aboutaam of Phoenix Ancient Art, among others.

Speaking to The Art Newspaper, a spokesman for the Swiss police said "Mr Van
Rijn has been released without charges. This case will be now be sent to the
public ministry which will decide if we should continue our investigations
into Mr Van Rijn's alleged offence."

Mr Van Rijn runs a website which includes details of works of art purchased
by museums and dealers which he says have been illicitly exported from a
range of countries.

http://www.theartnewspaper.com/