A Friday (2/7) Associated Press report by Dinesh Ramde details the criminal complaint filed in connection with the January armed robbery of a Stradivarius violin played by Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra Concertmaster Frank Almond. (As reported on Friday at the Hub, the violin has been found, unharmed.) “Prosecutors say it was the suspect’s ‘dream theft’: to simply snatch an expensive Stradivarius violin from an unsuspecting musician.… Salah Salahadyn, 41 … could face up to 15 years in prison … after he and another suspect were charged Friday…. Salahadyn and a second man, Universal Knowledge Allah, 36, appeared in Milwaukee County court Friday on charges of being a party to robbery.… Police said the violin appeared to be in good condition. But the theft also rekindled conversations about how to balance keeping the violins safe and making sure the public has a chance to enjoy them. Kerry Keane, an international consultant for musical instruments from Christie’s, said his clients who own Stradivarius violins are rethinking what to do with them. Many bought the violins with the philanthropic intent of lending them to top virtuosos, he said, but as the violins increase in value, so does the risk.” The complete criminal complaint can be found here.
Posted February 10, 2014
