STURP wanted a large section taken from the centre of the Shroud, but the Catholic Church (who have only been in possession of it since the late 70s) said "No." So, it was agreed only a small portion was taken from a corner edge, where it had been rewoven around the 16th century to a section known as the Holland cloth. The original is a Herringbone weave, common in Egypt around the time Jesus lived.
I'm not sure about the bribery / conspiracy case.
I know that if it's real, it's the world's first 'selfie.'
