Carroll&McDowell circus has gone to Russia

Image freely available to access and download at http://spbcu.ru/en/scripctoriom-with-scott-carroll/optimized-img_1235/

My favourite duo, Scott Carroll and Josh McDowell, is still around; this time, they went to Russia pretending as usual to be manuscript experts. Incredible as it may seem, there are people happy to join their show. The Larsons are still gifting Torah scrolls to Christian colleges, in Russia too, in order to save money on their tax-returns, etc. etc. In short, the circus is flourishing, despite the fiasco with the Green family and their Museum.

I do not understand how it is possible for the duo to be free to deliver their performances after what we have learnt. Perhaps I just have to accept that culture, integrity and  world cultural heritage protection are not political or police enforcement priorities, unless terrorism and war are openly involved, as in that case they produce good cash in terms of media exposure and electoral votes. But the circle of exploitation, looting and violence in order to obtain papyri, cartonnage and other Egyptian antiquities starts with irresponsible collectors, including these two tricksters, buying unprovenanced and possibly/probably illegal and forged material.

Please do not pay the ticket for the Carroll&McDowell circus and do not expose your students to it.