""For years, these defendants painted themselves as purveyors of fine art while selling lies on canvas to unsuspecting collectors," said Joseph Nocella Jr, a US attorney for the Eastern District of New York. "The duo's convictions strip away the varnish and reveal the fraud underneath.""
"Among the charges is a rarely invoked count under the Indian Arts and Crafts Act, which prohibits falsely marketing goods as having been made by Native American artists."
"Jeffrey Chabrowe, a lawyer for Erwin Bankowski, stated his client accepted responsibility and had 'made a terrible decision to support his family'. Todd Spodek, representing Bankowska, echoed that she had likewise taken responsibility."
Erwin Bankowski and Karolina Bankowska from Lawrence, New Jersey, pleaded guilty to a scheme involving the sale of over 200 counterfeit artworks. They falsely claimed these works were by renowned artists like Andy Warhol and Pablo Picasso, defrauding buyers of at least $2 million. The counterfeits were sold through reputable galleries and auction houses, with prices ranging from $2,000 to $160,000. The defendants used forged gallery stamps and certificates of authenticity to enhance the deception. Prosecutors are seeking restitution of at least $1.9 million.
Read at The Art Newspaper - International art news and events
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