Federal Agents Targeted Emma Bunker in Latchford Antiquities Case

via Denver Post, 31 March 2024: Federal investigators aimed to question Emma C. Bunker, the Colorado academic implicated in the illicit antiquities trade, prior to her death in 2021. Bunker, linked to disgraced antiques dealer Douglas Latchford, was a key figure in a scandal involving looted Cambodian relics. Despite never facing charges, her involvement raised suspicions about her role in facilitating the trade of dubious artifacts, some of which ended up in the Denver Art Museum. The museum has since distanced itself from Bunker, removing her name from its Southeast Asia gallery and returning questionable donations.

Bunker had been on the periphery of the long investigation, with Latchford the government’s main target. But time and time again, the Colorado academic’s name appeared next to that of the accused art dealer.

“The more you start reading Latchford’s emails, the mindset changes from ‘she’s just a scholar, museum employee and educator’ to ‘she’s a scoundrel,’” said Labbat, who worked with the Antiquities, Arts and Sciences Program. National Security Cultural Assets until his retirement last year.

The agents never had the opportunity to speak with her. Bunker died on February 21, 2021, just six months after Latchford. Any potential federal case perished with it.

That revelation, which had not been previously reported, underscores the final months of Bunker’s life, when he told friends he felt authorities were closing in. Labbat’s comments also, for the first time, shed light on the federal government’s plans to question one of its closest accomplices.

Source: Feds wanted to question Emma Bunker before her death, investigator says