European Art Forgery Network Dismantled
Italian Authorities Crack Down on Fake Warhols, Banksys, and Picassos
Italian authorities have announced the dismantling of a network of European art forgers who created fake works attributed to renowned artists such as Andy Warhol, Banksy, and Pablo Picasso. The network, which operated in Spain, France, and Belgium, produced over 2,100 fake artworks and could have caused 200 million euros ($212 million) in economic damage.
Operation Uncovered
The operation, led by Eurojust, the European Union agency for judicial cooperation, began in March 2023 when Italian authorities discovered 200 fake artworks during a search of a Pisa businessman’s home. The investigation found that the network used complicit auction houses in Italy to issue forged certificates and stamps of authenticity.
Seized Items
Seized items include fake modern and contemporary artworks attributed to more than 30 famed artists, including:
* Andy Warhol
* Amedeo Modigliani
* Banksy
* Pablo Picasso
* Joan Mirò
* Francis Bacon
* Wassily Kandinsky
* Henry Moore
* Gustav Klimt
Auction Houses Complicit
Eurojust stated that the network was able to use complicit auction houses in Italy, which issued forged certificates and stamps of authenticity. A total of 500 of these forged certificates and stamps were seized during the operation.
Arrests and Charges
Thirty-eight people have been placed under investigation, including six in Spain, France, and Belgium. Those arrested are accused of conspiracy to forge and deal in contemporary art.
Conclusion
The dismantling of this network highlights the importance of vigilance in the art market to prevent the sale of fake artworks. The operation is a significant success for Italian authorities and demonstrates the effectiveness of international cooperation in combating art fraud.
FAQs
Q: How many fake artworks were produced by the network?
A: Over 2,100 fake artworks were produced by the network.
Q: Which artists were affected by the fake artworks?
A: The fake artworks were attributed to more than 30 renowned artists, including Andy Warhol, Banksy, and Pablo Picasso.
Q: Which countries were involved in the operation?
A: Italy, Spain, France, and Belgium were involved in the operation.
Q: How much economic damage could the network have caused?
A: The network could have caused 200 million euros ($212 million) in economic damage.
Q: Who is accused of conspiracy to forge and deal in contemporary art?
A: Thirty-eight people have been placed under investigation, including six in Spain, France, and Belgium.
