How Looters and Liars Propped Up the Denver Art Museum
The Denver Post published a blockbuster three-part investigation last week, unveiling the spokes of an international criminal conspiracy with Denver as a key hub — the Denver Art Museum, in fact. Their fifth floor Bunker Gallery is so-named for Emma C. Bunker, “The Scholar,” as she was known in court papers connected to the scheme. From her Denver home, she validated and elevated the false claims of Douglas Latchford, an art dealer and collector who trafficked in priceless relics looted from southeast Asia. Producer Paul Karolyi talks to reporter Sam Tabachnik, who investigated the story for more than a year, including on the ground in Cambodia and Thailand.
Paul mentioned the new venue for Frozen Dead Guy Days and Denver’s laudatory efforts to replace lead water pipes.
For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866
Follow us on Twitter: @citycastdenver
Leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (720) 500-5418
Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Stay connected to City Cast Denver and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
BRT Construction vs. Small Businesses, Asia Center Redevelopment Updates, and Little Man Goes National
Construction on the Bus Rapid Transit project on Colfax has officially moved into Aurora, and the end is in sight! So, we are looking ahe...
Conservatives in Colorado Have a Secret Influence Machine. And It Might Be Working.
Democrats in Colorado are expected to retain control of the state legislature, governor’s mansion, and every statewide office this year,...
Who Wants THC Drinks? Plus, Bars Banking on Nostalgia and Our Asian Food Week Recs
It looks like THC-infused drinks won’t be having a moment in Colorado any time soon. A bill to increase levels of THC allowed in beverage...
Your Guide to May 2026 in Denver
It’s May! Here in Denver, that means flowers are blooming, birds are chirping, and the Rockies are losing – but they have not yet been ma...
A New LoDo Let-Out Fix? Plus, REI Boycott Beef and Denver's Surprising Smell Ranking
For decades, the nightclub district in LoDo has been notorious for violence and other unsavory activities going down around 2 a.m. when t...
Downtown Ice Cream Project Melts, Frank Azar’s Hollywood Connections, and Your Bucket-List Meals
There will be no Museum of Ice Cream in downtown Denver – at least for now. The interactive dairy-themed selfie attraction has become the...
What We Learned While Investigating DIA Conspiracies
The Denver International Airport is well known for all its crazy conspiracy theories and big blue mascot out front. But what’s actually g...
'Your City Could Be Better': Meet Nashville's Rogue Bench Builders — Presented By City Cast Denver
Are DIY urban projects the key to improving the infrastructure in cities like Denver? The grassroots group To Nashville, With Love has bu...
Uproar Over Strip Mall Redevelopment, Bucket-List Restaurants, and Surveillance Tech in Schools
News broke this week that the owner of the Asia Center on Federal Boulevard is planning to demolish the strip mall and build in its pla...
Who is Really Winning the Scooter Wars? Plus, a 30-Year Incumbent is On the Hot Seat
Is it time to say goodbye to Lime and Bird? Denver City Council is set to vote Monday evening on a new contract with Veo Micromobility to...