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.

  • ms.lane@lemmy.worldEnglish
    2·
    3 days ago

    Unless they’re scamming a museum, who cares?

    I’ll photocopy off 100 Banksies just to spite ‘him’.