Authorities arrested 38 individuals and uncovered six forgery workshops across Europe, seizing a vast collection of forged artworks with an estimated value of €200 million, marking one of the largest art fraud operations in history.
Major Art Forgery Ring Busted in Italy: Over 2,100 Counterfeit Works Seized
Major Art Forgery Ring Busted in Italy: Over 2,100 Counterfeit Works Seized
Italian Police dismantle a criminal network selling fake masterpieces attributed to renowned artists including Banksy, Warhol, and Picasso.
Italian law enforcement has successfully dismantled a significant forgery operation focused on counterfeiting renowned modern artworks. The Carabinieri announced that over 2,100 forged pieces were seized, many of which were attributed to iconic figures such as Banksy, Andy Warhol, and Pablo Picasso. In total, 38 individuals have been arrested in connection with the fraudulent sales, which could have generated around €200 million (approximately $213 million).
The investigation revealed the existence of six illegal workshops across Europe where these forgeries were produced. Locations included Tuscany and Venice, among other areas on the continent. The findings followed a tip-off earlier this year that led to the discovery of around 200 counterfeit pieces owned by a businessman in Pisa, which included a replica of a work by famed Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani.
The Carabinieri cultural squad, along with the Pisa prosecutors' office, released a statement detailing the scope of the operation. Within their findings were fake artworks attributed to more than 30 famed artists, illustrating the complexity and scale of the criminal network. Among the impersonated artists were well-known figures such as Claude Monet, Vincent Van Gogh, and Salvador Dali.
According to Pisa Chief Prosecutor Teresa Angela Camelio, this crackdown represents a vital effort in protecting the legacy of Banksy, whose real identity remains shrouded in mystery. The artist's works, often created on public structures, have become targets for criminals in the past. In a separate incident last September, two thieves were apprehended for stealing Banksy's recognizable piece, "Girl with Balloon," from a London gallery.
The issue of art theft is not limited to Banksy. Earlier this month, two of Andy Warhol's works were reported stolen in the Netherlands, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by art institutions and collectors. The Italian authorities' actions come at a pivotal moment in the battle against art counterfeiting and intellectual property crime.
