Police in Greece arrested two Greek nationals, a 57-year-old lawyer and a 42-year-old associate, following an investigation into the distribution of numerous art forgeries and an earlier fraud attempt.
The arrests, which took place on Tuesday, came after a victim reported a complex fraud scheme initiated by the lawyer:
Initial Scheme: The victim claimed to have given the lawyer €300,000 for gold bars, which later proved to be fake.
Art Exchange: When confronted, the suspects offered the victim several paintings, claiming they were authentic works by famous artists, as a form of restitution. The victim realized these paintings were also forgeries, leading to the formal complaint that launched the police probe.
Massive seizure of art forgeries and firearms
The operation was executed by the Cultural Heritage Protection Unit, which conducted searches at the suspects’ homes and other premises in Athens and Paiania. The scope of the criminal activity was revealed through the extensive materials seized:
- 481 works of art (paintings and drawings).
- 2 counterfeit certificates of authenticity.
- 4 pistols, 6 magazines, and 370 rounds of various caliber ammunition.
The 57-year-old lawyer faces an additional charge related to the illegal possession of firearms.
Confirmation of fakes
An expert forensic report confirmed that the vast majority of the seized paintings are forgeries. Investigators specifically identified counterfeit works attributed to a well-known Greek painter (whose original creations are protected as modern cultural heritage monuments).
The two suspects have been handed over to the competent prosecuting authority.
This case highlights a disturbing trend, echoing a major similar operation earlier this year, where 14 people, including antique shop owners, were charged in connection with art fraud.