ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Matthew Bogdanos: Manhattan DA's Antiquities Crime Fighter

cultural-heritage · 2026-07-26

Matthew Bogdanos, chief of the Manhattan District Attorney's Antiquities Trafficking Unit, is profiled in the Financial Times. Described as incongruous as the ancient idols in his storeroom, Bogdanos has the build of a sinewy boxer—he still competes as an amateur middleweight—and the manner of a man who enjoys a fight. The article highlights his relentless pursuit of looted antiquities, returning thousands of artifacts to their countries of origin.

Key facts

  • Matthew Bogdanos is chief of the Manhattan D.A.'s Antiquities Trafficking Unit.
  • He is described as having the build of a sinewy boxer.
  • Bogdanos still competes as an amateur middleweight boxer.
  • His office walls feature George Bellows prints of boxers.
  • The profile appears in the Financial Times.
  • Bogdanos's manner suggests he enjoys a fight.
  • He is compared to ancient idols in a storeroom.
  • The unit focuses on returning looted antiquities.

Entities

Artists

  • Matthew Bogdanos
  • George Bellows

Institutions

  • Manhattan District Attorney's Antiquities Trafficking Unit
  • Financial Times

Locations

  • Manhattan
  • New York City
  • United States

Sources