Robert King Wittman

Robert King Wittman

Robert King "Bob" Wittman is a highly decorated Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent who was assigned to the Philadelphia Field Division from 1988 to 2008. As a result of specialized training in art, antiques, jewelry and gem identification, Wittman served as the FBI's "top investigator and coordinator in cases involving art theft and art fraud". During his 20 years with the FBI, Wittman has recovered more than $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 responsible for instructing the newly formed team. He also was instrumental in the recovery of colonial North Carolina's copy of the original Bill of Rights in 2005, after it was stolen by a Union soldier in 1865. Wittman has represented the United States around the world, conducting investigations and instructing international police and museums in recovery and security techniques. After his 20 years with the FBI working against art theft, he continues to use his expertise as an art security consultant for the private sector. In 2010 Wittman published his memoir Priceless which recounts his career and activities while working for the FBI as an undercover agent.