Police authorities in Bavaria have confiscated forged artworks, including pieces claiming to be by Picasso, Rembrandt, and Kahlo, in an operation spanning Germany, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. The seized items are valued at millions of euros. The investigation involves a 77-year-old German man, identified as the main suspect, along with ten alleged accomplices, all facing charges of conspiracy and fraud.
Investigation Details
Investigators initiated their inquiry after the primary suspect attempted to sell two paintings presented as original works by Picasso. Subsequently, the suspect reportedly sought to sell a painting purported to be Rembrandt's "De Staalmeesters" for 120 million Swiss francs (£113 million). The authentic "De Staalmeesters" is located in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.
Seizure and Charges
The Bavarian State Criminal Police Office (BLKA) stated that a forged version of "De Staalmeesters," also known as the "Masters of the Clothmakers' Guild," was owned by an 84-year-old Swiss woman. This individual is now under investigation by the Amberg public prosecutor's office, the BLKA, and Swiss authorities. The forged painting was confiscated in Switzerland and, following examination by an art expert, was confirmed to be a copy.
The confiscations were carried out during a series of co-ordinated raids conducted on Wednesday, October 15, across Germany, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. During these searches, authorities seized numerous suspected art forgeries, along with associated documents, records, mobile phones, storage media, and cloud data.