The works were being traded under the names of world-famous artists such as Picasso, Rubens, and Rembrandt.
Art Forgery Ring in the Crosshairs: How the Investigation Unfolded
Several suspects were initially arrested but have since been released. The BLKA is investigating an 77-year-old man from the Schwandorf area (Upper Palatinate) and ten other accomplices. The authority accuses them of attempted commercial and organized fraud with art forgeries.
The man from Schwandorf is suspected of having presented the artworks as originals. It is alleged that the 77-year-old attempted to sell paintings attributed to Rembrandt van Rijn, Peter Paul Rubens, Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró, and Frida Kahlo. The asking prices for these works ranged between €400,000 and €14 million. He was allegedly supported by a 74-year-old accomplice from Rhineland-Palatinate, who provided expert appraisals to confirm the authenticity of the works.
During a series of raids in Germany, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein, investigators finally discovered the forgeries. So far, however, it has not been determined whether the fraudsters were successful with their scheme.
Investigation Exposes Art Forgeries
The extensive investigations involved the Amberg Public Prosecutor’s Office and the BLKA’s art crime unit in Munich. The authorities stated that some of the alleged forgeries could potentially have fetched a value in the tens of millions on the art market.
Works by Picasso and Rembrandt a Focus for the Forgers
The paintings in question were presented as works by world-famous artists:
The Spanish painter Pablo Picasso is considered one of the most important and influential artists of the last century and was a co-founder of Cubism.
The Baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens was renowned in his lifetime for his vibrant, dynamic paintings and opulent depictions of women.
The Dutch artist Rembrandt van Rijn is famous for his high-contrast paintings and etchings.
All three artists were apparently targets of the art forgery ring.
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