Stolen $1.5 Million Buddha Statue Recovered in Los Angeles
In an exciting turn of events, a $1.5 million Buddha statue that was stolen from a gallery in Beverly Grove has been found and a suspect has been apprehended. The Los Angeles Police Department announced on September 27 that Justin Livick, 44, was arrested on September 23, and the nearly 250-pound statue was also recovered.
The details surrounding the recovery remain a mystery, as does the identity of the person who initially stole the statue in the early hours of September 18. The Barakat Gallery, located on North La Cienega Boulevard, was the unfortunate target of this audacious theft.
According to jail records, Mr. Livick was booked on Saturday night and released early in the morning on September 24. He is scheduled to appear in court on October 19.
The theft occurred at approximately 3:45 a.m. on September 18, as captured by surveillance video. The suspect broke into the gallery through a driveway gate and skillfully used a dolly to transport the statue onto a truck within a mere 25 minutes.
Fayez Barakat, the owner of the gallery, expressed his deep attachment to the stolen statue. He had previously displayed it in his backyard before moving it to the gallery for public enjoyment. Mr. Barakat described his heartbreak upon learning of the theft.
Paul Henderson, the director of the Los Angeles location, expressed astonishment at the audacity of the lone thief who managed to steal the 4-foot-tall, 250-pound statue and escape in a Budget rental truck. The rarity and historical significance of the sculpture make it difficult to sell on the market, leaving everyone puzzled about the motive behind the theft.
The sculpture, credited to artist Tadazou Iinuma, bears an inscription indicating its connection to a religious official named Ryozen and its likely origin at the Yudo-no-San Temple in Japan’s Mount Yudono. Mr. Barakat hopes that the thief recognizes the historical value of the statue and did not steal it solely for its bronze weight.
In addition to the Los Angeles location, Mr. Barakat also owns galleries in London and Seoul. The investigation into the theft is ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact the Los Angeles Police Department.
What is the historical and cultural significance of the stolen “Buddha in the Cosmos” statue?
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The stolen statue, known as the ”Buddha in the Cosmos,” is a rare and valuable piece. It dates back to the 9th or 10th century and is believed to have originated from northeastern India or Bangladesh. The statue is made of bronze and stands at a height of approximately four feet.
The recovery of the stolen statue is a significant achievement for the Los Angeles Police Department. The Special Investigation Section was able to track down the suspect and recover the statue through diligent investigative work. The department commended the efforts of the officers involved in the case.
Los Angeles Police Department spokesperson, Officer Jane Thompson, stated, “We are thrilled to have recovered this precious artifact and to have arrested the suspect responsible for its theft. The statue holds great historical and cultural value, and its return is a victory for law enforcement and for the community.”
The stolen statue had sparked widespread concern in the art community, with experts fearing that it may have been smuggled out of the country. The recovery of the statue brings much-needed relief to art collectors and enthusiasts alike.
The investigation into the theft is ongoing, as the police continue to unravel the circumstances surrounding the initial theft and the identity of the person responsible. Any information that may lead to further arrests or the recovery of other stolen art pieces is being sought by the police.
Barakat Gallery, the victim of the theft, expressed their gratitude to the Los Angeles Police Department for their swift action in recovering the stolen statue. They emphasized the importance of preserving cultural heritage and pledged to enhance security measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The stolen Buddha statue’s recovery serves as a reminder of the value of art and the need for strong collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the art community. It highlights the dedication of the police in protecting cultural artifacts and enforcing justice.
As the investigation progresses, the Los Angeles Police Department hopes to unravel the motives behind the theft and ensure that those responsible are held accountable. The recovered Buddha statue will be returned to its rightful place, bringing solace to the art world and the community at large.
The story of the stolen $1.5 million Buddha statue and its subsequent recovery adds to the rich tapestry of art crime stories, showcasing the efforts of law enforcement in preserving our cultural heritage. It serves as a testament to the enduring value of art and the determination to protect it from theft and exploitation.
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