Italian law enforcement announced the dismantling of a large-scale forgery operation that fraudulently reproduced and sold artworks by renowned modern artists, resulting in the seizure of more than 2,100 counterfeit pieces. The operation, carried out by the Carabinieri and Pisa prosecutors, led to the arrests of 38 individuals with artworks valued at approximately €200 million (about $213 million) at stake.
The sting operation uncovered six dedicated forgery workshops located primarily in Italy, notably in Tuscany and Venice, as well as in various parts of Europe. The accused now face serious charges, including conspiracy to handle stolen goods and the illegal sale and handling of forged artworks. The investigation was initiated in 2023 when authorities discovered around 200 counterfeits in the possession of a businessman in Pisa, including a replica of an artwork by Amedeo Modigliani.
Among the forgery network's efforts were forged pieces attributed to more than 30 celebrated artists, including Claude Monet, Vincent Van Gogh, Salvador Dali, and Pablo Picasso. Pisa Chief Prosecutor Teresa Angela Camelio stated that experts regard this operation as a major protective measure for Banksy’s legacy, highlighting the ongoing challenges his artworks face amidst the criminal underbelly.
Banksy, whose real identity remains unknown despite his global fame, has been particularly targeted by art thieves. In a recent incident, two individuals were arrested for the theft of his iconic piece, Girl with Balloon, from a London gallery. Similarly, Andy Warhol’s works were also victims of theft, with two pieces stolen during a break-in at a Dutch gallery earlier this month.
