Spanish police announced today, Friday, the dismantling of a network suspected of forging artworks attributed to British street artist Banksy, with some pieces reportedly selling for up to 1500 euros ($1640) or more.
The police in Catalonia stated that they "raided a workshop inside an apartment in Zaragoza used by the forgers to produce fake artworks, which were then sold at auction houses, antique shops, or online platforms."
In a statement, the police explained that "investigators seized nine pieces and recorded at least 25 sales to victims in Spain, Germany, Switzerland, the United States, and Scotland. Four individuals are under investigation for fraud and intellectual property crimes."
The statement added that "two young followers of Banksy's street art, facing financial difficulties," created artworks mimicking Banksy's style by using screen printing techniques and ink stamps in the Zaragoza workshop, initially selling them for prices not exceeding 80 euros.
The police noted, "The investigation is still open, and the possibility of more victims and further arrests is not ruled out."
However, distributors collaborated with a distribution body to create fake certificates linking the artworks to Banksy, the street artist whose identity has never been revealed.
Best Control, the only entity authorized to issue certificates authenticating Banksy’s works, discovered that both the artworks and certificates were counterfeit.
