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Home About Us What We Investigate Violent Crime & Major Thefts Art Theft National Stolen Art File

National Stolen Art File

National Stolen Art File (NSAF)

The NSAF is a computerized index of stolen art and cultural property as reported to the FBI by law enforcement agencies throughout the United States and the world. The NSAF consists of images and physical descriptions of stolen and recovered objects, in addition to investigative case information. The primary goal of the NSAF is to serve as a tool to assist investigators in art and cultural artifact theft cases and to function as an analytical database providing law enforcement officials with information concerning art theft.

The public can now search an online version of the National Stolen Art File, minus the investigative information, using the search tool on the right side of the page.

The criteria for an object to be eligible for entry into the NSAF are as follows:

  • The object must be uniquely identifiable and have historical or artistic significance. This includes fine arts, decorative arts, antiquities, Asian art, Islamic art, Native American art, ethnographic objects, archaeological material, textiles, books and manuscripts, clocks and watches, coins, stamps, musical instruments, and scientific instruments.
  • The object must be valued at least $2,000, or less if associated with a major crime, and
  • The request must come through a law enforcement agency accompanied by a physical description of the object, a photograph of the object if available, and a copy of any police reports or other information relevant to the investigation.

For more information and to report recovered objects in the NSAF, contact:

National Stolen Art File
Art Theft Program, Room 3349
Federal Bureau of Investigation
935 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20535
Tel: (202) 324-6668