$130m Russian Museum Art Haul

ABC Newsonline reports that art dealers estimate the 220 items stolen from Russia's famous Hermitage museum could be worth over $130 million. The missing items include scores of icons mounted in gold or silver frames, silver vases, watches and jewellery. Initially the Hermitage Museum said the objects were worth $6.5 million but art dealers say their value on the open market is around 20 times that figure. The disappearances were uncovered during a routine check of sealed vaults after the sudden death of a curator. The museum's director believes employees are behind the thefts that were committed over several years. Irish Art