We'll get you the money...but first let me talk to the painting...

Well, this is a new one...in an effort to get the money owed them by Russia, Noga took several works of art (on loan to Switzerland from the Pushkin museum) hostage. The BBC article, goes on to state that Noga has tried similar stunts before seizing aircraft and yachts on separate occassions. The Swiss have since ordered the return of the paintings which were originally confiscated by the Swiss police. I cannot quite figure out how the Swiss police got involved anyway. I mean did the CEO of Noga just call the police? I'm so confused here. Anyway it is, apparently, "illegal" under international law for a private company to seize cultural objects to force payment. Who knew?!? Alright, France, take back your beloved Delacroix...just pay up, already.