The FBI is accusing two tourists of swiping nearly $13,000 worth of sculptures in the early morning hours of a recent Carnival cruise from Baltimore to Bermuda.
On its website, Carnival Cruise Line says its ships feature “an ever-changing collection of fine art” and touts its onboard auctions, inviting customers to, ” [ s ] ip some champagne, browse the gallery and bid on a piece to take home as a trip memento.”
But, according to the FBI, the two tourists allegedly took two expensive pieces home from the Carnival Legend ship a little over a month ago without bidding — or even paying at all. The duo has yet to be charged.
In court documents filed Tuesday in federal court in Baltimore, seeking permission to obtain a search warrant, the FBI says an art auctioneer working on the ship discovered the two pieces missing on Oct. 1, the day after the ship returned to Baltimore from a week at sea.
One of the missing pieces is a Lucite sculpture by American artist Robert Wyland titled “Kiss the Sea,” depicting two sea turtles. The size of a small backpack, it’s valued at $6,200, according to court documents. The other missing sculpture, a slightly smaller piece by American artist Marcus Glenn titled “Tappin’ the Keys for the Love,” depicts a man playing a piano with a heart in the background. It’s valued at $6,600, the FBI says.
When Carnival security personnel then reviewed footage from surveillance cameras on the ship, they saw two people shortly after 2 a.m. two days earlier allegedly walking into the art gallery “empty-handed,” only to walk out several minutes later carrying objects “consistent in appearance with the missing sculptures,” according to the FBI.
Further investigation identified the two people as a trucking company employee and his female companion, according to court documents. When an FBI agent then found the man’s profile on Facebook, the agent noticed a recently posted photo of the man “wearing what appears to be the same white dress shirt, dark-colored vest, and striped tie” from the surveillance video, according to court documents.
With a federal judge’s approval, the FBI then executed search warrants at their homes and recovered the missing sculptures, according to a spokeswoman with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Baltimore.
ABC News is not naming the two suspects because it’s unclear if they will be charged. But in court documents, the FBI said it was looking into possible federal charges related to theft and transportation of stolen goods.
On its website, the cruise line says its onboard art auctions are far from the expected “room of too-serious old men, many wearing monocles, paying top-dollar for priceless antique works of art.”
Carnival Cruise Line did not respond to ABC News’ request for comment.
Tourists swipe nearly $13,000 in sculptures from cruise ship, FBI says
Recent Comments
Iowa State starting RB Jirehl Brock among latest college football players charged in gambling probe
on
The Rev. Al Sharpton to lead protest after Florida governor’s ban of African American studies course
on
Sports World Hails ‘Superwoman’ Lindsey Vonn for Her Grand Comeback Despite Career-Changing Injury
on
San Mateo County Community College District sues five companies over role in ‘pay to play’ scandal
on
Saipan, placid island setting for Assange’s last battle, is briefly mobbed – and bemused by the fuss
on
‘Pokémon Scarlet’ and ‘Violet’ Fan Theories Suggest Legendary Time Travel, Alternate Dimension Plot
on
Joe Manchin and Tommy Tuberville introduce bill on name, image and likeness rules for college sports
on
Inside the Michael Jordan ‘Air’ movie, plus why NFL, others are buying into the sports film industry
on
If you’re a frequent traveler, these wrap tops from Aday will revolutionize your on-the-go wardrobe
on
How Does Jack Nicklaus Travel? Exploring the Private Jets Owned by the ‘Golden Bear’ Over the Years
on
Hollywood Reporter: Tom Cruise negotiated with movie studios over AI before the actors strike began
on
Ford Blue Cruise: US regulators investigate fatal crashes involving hands-free driving technology
on
Dozens of boats cruise the Seine in a rehearsal for the Paris Olympics’ opening ceremony on July 26
on
Devout athletes find strength in their faith. But practicing it and elite sports can pose hurdles
on
Despite strong Lunar New Year holiday data, consumer spending in China isn’t roaring back just yet
on
David and Victoria Beckham so ‘Charmed’ by Tom Cruise They Have His Photos on Display at Their Home
on
CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on
CBS Sports announces Matt Ryan will join NFL studio show. Longtime analysts Simms and Esiason depart
on
Boston College vs. Army live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on
Boise State vs. Air Force live stream, odds, channel, prediction, how to watch on CBS Sports Network
on
Biden to tout bill’s prescription drug prices, energy provisions in pitch to Americans, aide says
on
After UFC Fallout, Conor McGregor Offers a Valuable Piece of Advice to Free Agent Francis Ngannou
on
2024 Super Bowl: CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports HQ to combine for 115 hours of weeklong coverage
on
‘Best Intention’: Chris Kirk Has Absolute Trust in Jay Monahan and PGA Tour’s Widely Debated Model
on
2023 NFL All-Rookie Team: CBS Sports draft expert, former GM unveil league’s best first-year players
on
“Completely Knocked Me Out”: Rob Lowe Recalls Boxing Match With Tom Cruise On 1983 Brat Pack Classic
on
CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on
“Completely Knocked Me Out”: Rob Lowe Recalls Boxing Match With Tom Cruise On 1983 Brat Pack Classic
on
CBS Sports announces Matt Ryan will join NFL studio show. Longtime analysts Simms and Esiason depart
on
Carlos Sainz’s Soccer Fanboy Emerges as Spaniard Shares Defining Moment With This Real Madrid Legend
on
Biden: ‘At this point I’m not’ planning to visit East Palestine, Ohio, after toxic train derailment
on
‘Best Intention’: Chris Kirk Has Absolute Trust in Jay Monahan and PGA Tour’s Widely Debated Model
on
Ahead of big sports weekend, dispute with Disney leaves millions of cable subscribers in the dark
on
A heavy wave of Russian missile attacks pounds areas across Ukraine, killing at least 4 civilians
on
2024 Super Bowl: CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports HQ to combine for 115 hours of weeklong coverage
on
2023 NFL All-Rookie Team: CBS Sports draft expert, former GM unveil league’s best first-year players
on
Army vs. Coastal Carolina live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on
AL Rookie of the Year Julio Rodriguez Spreads Joy and Sportsmanship to the Youth of Loma de Cabrera
on
After UFC Fallout, Conor McGregor Offers a Valuable Piece of Advice to Free Agent Francis Ngannou
on
Dubai International Airport sees 41.6 million passengers in first half of year, more than in 2019
on
Devout athletes find strength in their faith. But practicing it and elite sports can pose hurdles
on
Despite strong Lunar New Year holiday data, consumer spending in China isn’t roaring back just yet
on
Dave Portnoy: Taylor Swift’s security should ‘drag Kim Kardashian to jail’ if she attends Eras Tour
on
CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on
“Completely Knocked Me Out”: Rob Lowe Recalls Boxing Match With Tom Cruise On 1983 Brat Pack Classic
on
CBS Sports, Serie A announce new TV rights deal; Paramount+ to air over 400 Italian soccer matches
on
Cam Newton’s Violent Public Incident Draws Hilarious Reaction From 3x All-Star: “Where Do I Sign Up
on
Boston College vs. Army live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on
Angel Reese Launches Foundation Dedicated To Empowering Women Through Sports & Financial Literacy
on
A weaker dollar, skyrocketing prices and ‘record’ visitor numbers: Good luck in Europe this summer
on