Authorities in Bavaria have successfully dismantled a sophisticated art forgery network, confiscating valuable counterfeit artworks with an estimated value in the millions of euros. The operation, which involved cross-border collaboration with Switzerland and Liechtenstein, targeted a syndicate accused of creating and selling fake pieces attributed to world-renowned artists like Pablo Picasso, Rembrandt, and Frida Kahlo.
The investigation was initially sparked when a 77-year-old German man, identified as the ringleader, attempted to sell two paintings purportedly by Picasso on the open market. Further investigations revealed his intention to sell a copy of Rembrandt’s famous ‘The Staalmeesters’ (The Syndics of the Drapers’ Guild) for a staggering 120 million Swiss francs (£113 million), despite the original masterpiece residing in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.
The Bavarian State Criminal Police Office (BLKA) reported that the forged ‘Staalsmeesters’ was traced back to an 84-year-old Swiss woman. The painting, once examined by art experts, was confirmed to be a reproduction and not a lost original by the Dutch master. Authorities are now investigating the Swiss woman’s involvement following the confiscation of the artwork.
The coordinated raids took place simultaneously across Germany, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. During these operations, a significant quantity of suspected forged artworks were seized, alongside crucial evidence including documents, financial records, mobile phones, and digital data. These findings are expected to provide further insights into the full scope of the forgery operation.
The main suspect, along with 10 alleged accomplices, faces charges related to conspiracy and fraud. The investigation is ongoing, with police planning detailed expert examinations of all seized paintings in the coming weeks to ascertain their authenticity and the extent of the forgery.
The suspect was also found to be in possession of 19 other counterfeit works, with alleged prices ranging from €400,000 (£349,000) to €14 million (£12.2 million). These included forgeries of works by Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, Flemish master Peter Paul Rubens, Italian sculptor Amedeo Modigliani, and Spanish artist Joan Miró.
He was reportedly assisted by a 74-year-old German man who specialized in creating fraudulent expert reports to validate the authenticity of these fake artworks. Both were arrested on the day of the raids but have since been conditionally released pending further investigation.