Arrests Made in Montreal Art Heist Following Collector's Death
At least two men have been arrested as suspects in a break-in at the home of a wealthy Montreal art collector that occurred just days after his death, according to a source close to the investigation. The arrests come as authorities recover fourteen pieces of art valued at over $700,000 that were stolen from the residence.
Timeline of Events
Richard Kastner, 78, died on December 24, and his home on Belvedere Circle in the Ville-Marie borough was broken into six days later, on December 30. In January, Montreal police confirmed they were investigating the break-in but provided limited details due to the ongoing probe. A source has since revealed that arrests were recently made, leading to the recovery of the stolen artworks.
Victim's Background and Collection
Friends describe Kastner as an avid collector of expensive items, which he kept inside his home on Belvedere Circle, a small street on the Westmount Summit that straddles the Westmount/Ville-Marie border. The home is estimated to be worth $1.9 million on Montreal's valuation roll.
His collection included paintings by renowned Canadian artists such as Emily Carr and members of the Group of Seven. Additionally, he collected what one friend referred to as "priceless Japanese art," highlighting the diversity and value of his acquisitions.
Prior Assault and Safety Concerns
Three individuals interviewed by The Gazette in January disclosed that Kastner was assaulted late last year, possibly a month before his death. Out of fear, he lived at a Montreal hotel for days following the assault and chose not to file a complaint with the police, according to one of his friends. This incident adds a layer of complexity to the investigation, raising questions about potential motives or connections to the subsequent break-in.
Investigation and Recovery Efforts
The Montreal police have been asked to confirm the arrests and whether charges have been filed against the suspects. The recovery of the fourteen art pieces, worth more than $700,000, marks a significant development in the case, though details on the specific artworks or the circumstances of their recovery remain under wraps as the investigation continues.
This art heist underscores the vulnerabilities in securing valuable collections, especially in the aftermath of a collector's death, and highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to address such crimes in Montreal's art community.
