The editors would like to acknowledge the support of the sponsors and various institutions involved in the creation of this handbook: first and foremost, the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC, UK) in providing generous financial assistance to this project as part of the AHRC Network Grant on ‘Art, Crime and Criminals: Painting Fresh Pictures on Art Theft, Fraud and Plunder’ awarded to the editors (2016–2017). This grant contributed in particular to the hosting of the three workshops (Theft, Fraud and Looting/ Terrorist Financing) at which several papers presented formed the foundation for this publication; secondly, the German Federal Ministry of Finance, which generously provided its conference venue in Berlin for the third workshop (and especially Dr Judith Hermes and Doris Dietze for their wonderful hospitality); and finally, the School of Law, Queen Mary University of London, which provided invaluable administrative support and the venue for the first workshop. The editors thank all the authors for their high-quality contributions, angelic patience and friendly co-operation throughout the process of turning their chapters into a handbook.