Italian police have uncovered a large network of art forgers operating across Europe. The group was involved in creating and selling fake paintings by some of the most famous artists, from the 19th century to contemporary times. More than 2,100 counterfeit paintings were seized.
Had these forgeries been sold as originals, their total value could have amounted to around $165 million. Police also discovered six workshops where the forgeries were being produced. Three of these workshops were located in Italy, while the other three were in other European countries. The forgers replicated works by iconic artists such as Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, Marc Chagall, Andy Warhol and contemporary art stars like British street artist Banksy.
To create a museum-like history for their forgeries, the criminals held two exhibitions featuring both authentic works and fakes in prestigious venues in Italy, and even published catalogs.
38 suspects from Italy, Spain, France and Belgium are under investigation. A criminal case has been opened on charges of conspiracy to trade in stolen goods, forgery and illegal trafficking in art.
