Autocephalous Greek-Orthodox Church of Cyprus v. Goldberg and Feldman Fine Arts, Inc., and Peg Goldberg
United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
917 F.2d 278 (1990)
Byzantine mosaics were stolen from a church in Turkish-occupied northern Cyprus in the 1970s, and although the Republic of Cyprus (Republic) (plaintiff) actively searched for them by contacting international art organizations and dealers, it did not learn until 1988 that Indiana art dealer Peg Goldberg (defendant) had bought them from a dealer who provided forged documentation. When Goldberg refused to return the mosaics after the Republic identified her, the Republic sued in 1989; Indiana's statute of limitations for recovering stolen items was six years from accrual.
Whether the statute of limitations for recovery of stolen personal items runs if the defendant has deceitfully or fraudulently prevented the plaintiff from ascertaining the cause of action.