Thirty-eight individuals were arrested, while six forgery workshops were raided across Europe
Italian Police Dismantle Major Forgery Ring Targeting Artworks of the Greats
Italian Police Dismantle Major Forgery Ring Targeting Artworks of the Greats
Authorities uncover over 2,100 forged pieces, including works by Banksy and Warhol, worth about €200 million
Italian law enforcement officials have successfully dismantled a significant criminal network engaged in the forgery and sale of artwork from renowned modern artists. The operation, involving a coordinated effort by the Carabinieri cultural squad and the Pisa prosecutors’ office, led to the recovery of more than 2,100 forged pieces, including works attributed to legendary artists such as Banksy, Andy Warhol, and Pablo Picasso.
In total, 38 suspects were taken into custody in connection with this extensive forgery scheme, which authorities estimate has a potential market value of approximately €200 million (or $213 million). The police carried out raids at six different forgery workshops, including two located in Tuscany and another in Venice, with additional locations also spread across Europe.
The investigation was sparked earlier in 2023 when police seized around 200 counterfeit artworks from a businessman’s collection in Pisa. Among these forgeries was even a fabricated drawing believed to belong to the famous Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani. In a joint statement released on Monday, authorities reported that the crackdown led to the confiscation of fake artworks attributed to more than 30 iconic artists.
The alleged conspiracy implicates well-known figures such as Claude Monet, Vincent Van Gogh, Salvador Dali, and others including Henry Moore and Gustav Klimt. Teresa Angela Camelio, the Chief Prosecutor of Pisa, referred to the operation as "the biggest act of protection" for Banksy’s estate, given the artist’s international acclaim and ongoing anonymity.
This incident highlights the persistent threat that fraudulent practices pose to the art world. Recently, Banksy’s work has been the target of criminal activity, as demonstrated by the theft of his famous piece, "Girl with Balloon," from an art gallery in London. Similarly, Warhol’s art has also been affected; just weeks ago, two of his pieces were stolen during a break-in at a gallery in the Netherlands. As the art community grapples with these issues, authorities remain vigilant in their efforts to protect artistic integrity.
In total, 38 suspects were taken into custody in connection with this extensive forgery scheme, which authorities estimate has a potential market value of approximately €200 million (or $213 million). The police carried out raids at six different forgery workshops, including two located in Tuscany and another in Venice, with additional locations also spread across Europe.
The investigation was sparked earlier in 2023 when police seized around 200 counterfeit artworks from a businessman’s collection in Pisa. Among these forgeries was even a fabricated drawing believed to belong to the famous Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani. In a joint statement released on Monday, authorities reported that the crackdown led to the confiscation of fake artworks attributed to more than 30 iconic artists.
The alleged conspiracy implicates well-known figures such as Claude Monet, Vincent Van Gogh, Salvador Dali, and others including Henry Moore and Gustav Klimt. Teresa Angela Camelio, the Chief Prosecutor of Pisa, referred to the operation as "the biggest act of protection" for Banksy’s estate, given the artist’s international acclaim and ongoing anonymity.
This incident highlights the persistent threat that fraudulent practices pose to the art world. Recently, Banksy’s work has been the target of criminal activity, as demonstrated by the theft of his famous piece, "Girl with Balloon," from an art gallery in London. Similarly, Warhol’s art has also been affected; just weeks ago, two of his pieces were stolen during a break-in at a gallery in the Netherlands. As the art community grapples with these issues, authorities remain vigilant in their efforts to protect artistic integrity.
