In a landmark raid, Italy’s specialized art theft squad revealed an intricate network involved in producing and selling counterfeit artworks across Europe. Displayed in a historic palazzo in Pisa, a collection of about 450 fraudulent pieces showcased forgeries attributed to renowned artists such as Gustav Klimt, Salvador Dalí, and Andy Warhol.
These fakes are part of a staggering 2,100 items seized by Italian authorities, an operation that has been deemed one of the most significant busts of art fraud in the last 15 years. Lorenzo Galizia, the head of the carabinieri art theft squad in Rome, detailed how the operation aimed to dismantle a comprehensive system of forgers and dealers allegedly targeting unsuspecting buyers.
The estimated market value of the seized artworks reaches approximately €250 million ($265 million). Alarmingly, most of the works were falsely linked to elusive street artist Banksy, with Captain Galizia noting that a whole exhibition in Cortona was cancelled upon discovering all pieces were counterfeit.
Installed in Pisa’s state archives, the assortment not only included paintings but also drawings, prints, and sculptures. Consequently, 38 individuals are now under investigation, facing allegations of conspiracy to deal in illegal goods along with forgery and sale of counterfeit artworks, as reported by Italian officials.
