aBOUT Robert wittman
FBI CAREER
Robert K. Wittman joined the FBI as a Special Agent in 1988 and was assigned to the Philadelphia Field Division. As a result of specialized training in art, antiques, jewelry and gem identification, he served as the FBI’s investigative expert in art and cultural property crime investigations. During his 20 year career with the FBI, he recovered more that $300 million worth of stolen art and cultural property resulting in the prosecution and conviction of numerous individuals. In 2005, he was instrumental in the creation of the FBI’s rapid deployment Art Crime Team (ACT). He was named the ACT’s Senior Investigator and was tasked with instructing the team's founding members in cultural property investigation techniques. He has represented the United States around the world conducting investigations and instructing international police and museums in investigation, recovery and security techniques.
PUBLICATIONS
In 2010, Robert Wittman penned and published the New York Times best-selling memoir Priceless: How I Went Undercover to Rescue the World’s Stolen Treasures, written with 2009 Pulitzer Prize Finalist John Shiffman. Priceless follows Wittman through his career with the FBI, providing a first-perspective account of some of the most well-known art heists in modern history and the undercover FBI stings that sought to foil them.
Drawing on the accomplishments of Wittman's post-FBI career, his 2016 release, The Devil's Diary: Alfred Rosenberg and the Stolen Secrets of the Third Reich, a groundbreaking World War II narrative wrapped in a riveting detective story. Co-written with Pulitzer Prize winning author David Kinney, The Devil's Diary also ranks as a best seller, published in 26 languages in 30 countries.
BEYOND THE BADGE
In 2008, after 20 years with the FBI, Robert Wittman retired from the Bureau and brought his expertise to the private sector. He sought to create a Security and Recovery Consulting firm that would draw on his unique investigative experience to protect its clients from losses related to theft, fraud or forgery. Since its inception, Robert Wittman Inc. has grown far beyond its original vision, providing protection and recovery services to more than 100 public and private collections worldwide. Robert Wittman Inc. continues to proudly serve a diverse portfolio of institutions, auction houses, collectors, galleries, insurance companies and Nations committed to protecting their cultural assets. For more information, click here.
speaking Engagements
Robert Wittman has shared his experiences with audiences around the world. Known for his ability to seamlessly blend information and entertainment, Wittman has designed his presentations to engage audiences of all kinds. He has spoken to venues including the American Association of Museums (AAM) Annual Conference, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Museum of Modern Art (New York), Museum of Fine Arts (Boston), Smithsonian Institution, and several international conferences. He regularly speaks at university, corporate, and literary events across the nation. For information and availability, click here.