Police in Greece Busts Art Forgery Network, Seizing Hundreds of Fake Masterpieces

Fake “masterpieces” in Greece. Credit: Hellenic Police (ELAS)

Police in Greece arrested two Greek nationals—a 57-year-old lawyer and a 42-year-old associate—after investigating their involvement in distributing numerous art forgeries and attempting an earlier fraud.

The arrests, which took place on Tuesday, followed a complaint by a victim who said he had given the lawyer €300,000 ($347,511) to purchase gold bars that later proved to be fake.

When the victim confronted the suspects, they attempted to compensate him by offering several paintings they claimed were authentic works by famous artists. The victim realized these paintings were also forgeries, prompting the formal complaint that triggered the police probe.

Massive seizure of art forgeries and firearms

Art forgery. Credit: Hellenic Police (ELAS)

The operation was executed by the Greek 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 in which fourteen individuals, including antique shop owners, were charged in connection with art fraud.