Art police and Pisa prosecutor say 38 people being investigated, with about 2,100 fake artworks seized

Summary

Italian police have dismantled a large pan-European forgery ring producing fake artworks attributed to renowned artists, including Banksy, Picasso, and Warhol.

Thirty-eight individuals across Italy, Spain, France, and Belgium are under investigation for handling stolen goods, forgery, and illegal art sales.

Authorities seized over 2,100 counterfeit pieces valued at €200 million and uncovered six forgery workshops.

The investigation began in 2023 after fake works were found in a businessman’s collection, leading to discoveries of forgeries sold in auction houses and linked to organized exhibitions.

    • Saleh@feddit.orgEnglish
      61·
      12 days ago

      The inflated art market is a great tool for money laundering and tax evasion. There is a lot of people with a lot of money who care.