OXFORD, U.K. — A high-profile investigation into the alleged theft of ancient biblical papyrus fragments from Oxford University has led to the arrest of Dr Dirk Obbink, 63, an associate professor of papyrology and Greek literature. Thames Valley Police detained Obbink in connection with claims that priceless fragments from the Oxyrhynchus collection at the Sackler Library were stolen and later ended up in the Museum of the Bible in Washington D.C.
The alleged theft was first reported to police on 12 November. Obbink has denied any wrongdoing, calling the allegations a “malicious attempt” to harm his reputation and career. He was released pending further inquiries.
The fragments, which include portions of Genesis, Exodus, and Deuteronomy, are considered irreplaceable evidence of Egypt’s early Christian heritage. Some fragments contain only a few words, while others are larger pieces painstakingly reconstructed over decades. According to the Egypt Exploration Society (EES), which owns the collection, the Museum of the Bible has cooperated, and all 13 missing fragments have been returned.
Obbink was suspended from his duties at Oxford in October 2019 after the disappearance of these ancient manuscripts. The professor has repeatedly denied any involvement in the removal or sale of the materials, stating that certain documents used against him were fabricated.
Previously, Obbink operated two businesses, Castle Folio and Oxford Ancient, from offices above a TK Maxx store in Oxford. The case remains under active investigation, with authorities continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the alleged transfer of the manuscripts to the U.S.
Dr Carl Graves, director of the EES, emphasized the cultural and historical importance of the recovered fragments, saying, “We do not value them monetarily—they are priceless and irreplaceable.”
