An international police operation has uncovered a sophisticated plot to sell what authorities believe are forged paintings by renowned artists. The alleged fakes, purportedly by masters such as Rembrandt, Pablo Picasso, and Frida Kahlo, were offered for massive sums, reaching up to 130 million euros.
Investigators first became suspicious when a 77-year-old German man attempted to sell two paintings attributed to Pablo Picasso. One of these works reportedly depicted Dora Maar, a famous muse of Picasso. This initial suspicion led to a broader investigation spanning three countries.
Key Takeaways
- An international operation uncovered a plot to sell forged masterpieces.
- Paintings were attributed to artists like Rembrandt, Picasso, and Frida Kahlo.
- The main suspect is a 77-year-old German man, aided by 10 accomplices.
- One Rembrandt forgery was offered for 120 million Swiss francs.
- Searches were conducted in Germany, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.
The Scale of the Alleged Forgery Operation
Police reported that the main suspect, a 77-year-old German national, attempted to sell at least 20 suspected fake paintings. These included works attributed to Flemish old master Peter Paul Rubens, Spanish artist Joan Miro, and Italian sculptor Amedeo Modigliani. Authorities in Bavaria stated that 10 accomplices assisted the German man in his activities.
One of the most audacious attempts involved a copy of Rembrandt's famous oil painting, De Staalmeesters. The suspect reportedly offered this forgery for 120 million Swiss francs, equivalent to approximately 150 million US dollars. The original masterpiece hangs securely in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, making the sale attempt particularly bold.
The Rembrandt copy, believed to be from the 20th century, was discovered in the possession of an 84-year-old Swiss woman. She is also currently under investigation. An art expert examined the painting and confirmed it was not an authentic Rembrandt work.
Notable Forgery Attempts
- Rembrandt's De Staalmeesters: Offered for 120 million Swiss francs ($150 million).
- Picasso's Dora Maar portrait: One of the initial suspicious sales attempts.
- Anthony van Dyck's Mary with Child: Offered for 5.39 million euros.
International Investigation and Arrests
The investigation involved coordinated actions across multiple European nations. Last week, police carried out searches in several cities across southern Germany, including Berlin. Further raids took place in various parts of Switzerland and Liechtenstein, indicating the broad reach of the suspected network.
During these raids, authorities arrested the 77-year-old main suspect and another German man, aged 74. The second man is accused of preparing false reports to authenticate the forged artworks. Both individuals have since been released on bail, pending further investigation.
"It was, as suspected, a copy and not a lost masterpiece by Rembrandt van Rijn," police stated after an art expert reviewed the painting.
The World of Art Forgery
Art forgery is a persistent problem in the global art market. Forgers often target works by famous artists due to their high value and demand. Modern techniques, including forensic analysis and provenance research, are crucial in identifying fakes. However, sophisticated forgeries can still deceive even experienced collectors and experts.
Expert Examination and Future Steps
The confiscated paintings will undergo detailed examination by experts and appraisers in the coming weeks. This rigorous process will help determine the full extent of the forgery operation and confirm the authenticity of each artwork. The range of prices for the alleged fakes varied widely, from 400,000 euros to approximately 130 million euros, highlighting the potential financial impact of the scheme.
The case underscores the significant challenges faced by the art market in combating fraud. Buyers and sellers rely heavily on expert opinions and verifiable provenance. Forgery schemes like this one can undermine trust in the market and cause substantial financial losses.
Authorities continue their efforts to understand the full scope of this international art forgery ring. The ongoing expert evaluations are critical for building a comprehensive case and preventing similar incidents in the future. The art world watches closely as these investigations unfold.