What do you get when you mix fine art, espionage, Russian business deals, and one very charismatic con man from Nova Scotia? In this episode of Crafting the Case, we dive deep into the unbelievable true story of John Mark Tillmann — the antique thief who stole over 10,000 artifacts from museums, universities, and private collections, all while hiding them in plain sight in his suburban home. But beneath the stolen letters from George Washington and priceless first editions was something darker: political extremism, manipulation, and a life built on illusion. Join us as we trace Tillmann’s life from Fall River to Moscow, and ultimately, to the unraveling of one of Canada’s most prolific art theft operations. 🎨 While we tell this wild tale, we’re crafting something inspired by forgery, museum aesthetics, and a little paint-by-numbers fun!
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What do you get when you mix fine art, espionage, Russian business deals, and one very charismatic con man from Nova Scotia? In this episode of Crafting the Case, we dive deep into the unbelievable true story of John Mark Tillmann — the antique thief who stole over 10,000 artifacts from museums, universities, and private collections, all while hiding them in plain sight in his suburban home. But beneath the stolen letters from George Washington and priceless first editions was something darker:...