Where Are Richard Weisman’s “Stolen” Warhols?

Richard Weissman

On the surface, it appeared to be one of the country’s largest art thefts: millions of dollars worth of Andy Warhol silk-screens purportedly stolen in 2009 from the L.A. residence of Seattle art collector Richard Weisman.

But in the wake of the heist, Weisman, now 74, raised suspicions when he abruptly canceled his insurance claim for the 10 pieces, which were insured for $25 million.

Insurance fraud costs insurance companies billions of dollars annually.

The $1m reward poster

At the time, Weisman said he understood that people might view it as strange for him to walk away from so much money but said he simply couldn’t stand the thought of insurance investigators poring through his personal records and interrogating his family and friends.

“They turn you into a suspect. I just finally told them, ‘I’m not going to go through it for three to five years. Forget it,’ ” Weisman said. “That’s the only reason, and it’s a good enough reason.”

Weisman said he feels lucky he’s wealthy enough to withstand the loss.

Because he won’t be collecting on his policy, Chartis insurance withdrew the $1 million reward for the artwork. Chartis had offered the reward anonymously through the Police Department.

Tracking each development is LAPD Detective Don Hrycyk, who for the past 15 years has taken on the unusual task of investigating high-profile art thefts.

“It’s a lot of money he gave up,” Hrycyk said. “It’s one of those puzzling aspects you have to take into account when you do your investigation.”