Major Art Forgery Scheme Uncovered in Italy, Over 2,100 Counterfeit Works Seized

An extensive operation led by Italy's art theft squad has resulted in the seizure of over 2,100 fake artworks, valued at around €250 million, revealing a widespread forgery network across Europe. More than 38 individuals are under investigation for conspiracy and forgery.

In a dramatic crackdown on art fraud, Italian officials have announced the dismantling of a major Europe-wide network responsible for producing and selling counterfeit artworks. This week, a historic palazzo in Pisa displayed around 450 of the seized fakes alongside art supplies, showcasing the prolific activity of these forgers.

Over the past year, Italy's specialized art theft unit has recovered more than 2,100 imitation works attributed to iconic artists such as Gustav Klimt, Salvador Dalí, Andy Warhol, and the elusive street artist Banksy. The operation represents one of the most significant busts of art forgeries in the last 15 years, with an estimated market value of the seized pieces nearing €250 million, approximately $265 million.

Captain Lorenzo Galizia, head of Rome's carabinieri art theft squad, detailed the shocking findings in a recent interview. He highlighted that an entire exhibition featuring “Banksy” works in Cortona was discovered entirely composed of forgeries, calling it “absurd.” The seized collection includes various mediums—paintings, drawings, prints, and sculptures—prompting official investigations into the activities of 38 suspects involved in forging and selling these illegal artworks.

Angela Teresa Camelio, the prosecutor managing this case, has outlined the scale of the operation, which has raised alarms about the vulnerability of art markets to counterfeiters. The investigation signifies a vigorous effort by authorities to protect the integrity of the art world amidst rising cases of forgery.