In Spain, police have broken up a crime gang that copied works of art by famous British street artist Banksy and sold them around the world. Catalan police said on Thursday that two suspects were arrested in the city of Zaragoza, in the country’s northeast, where the forgeries were made.
In addition, two other people with “knowledge of the art world” were arrested and suspected of selling the works. Police suspect the counterfeiting organization sold at least 25 works created with spray paint on cardboard boxes.
Up to 1500 euros for counterfeit work
According to investigators, the outlets included specialty stores, auction houses in Barcelona and online stores with customers in Germany, Scotland, Spain and the US. The fake Banksy works have changed hands for a maximum of 1,500 euros each. According to the police, the two main suspects have been working in the industry for years. She is now being investigated for fraud.
The crime gang also forged certificates stating that the works were created by Banksy as part of his ‘Dismaland’ project. This is a deliberately disturbing theme park in the southwestern English holiday resort of Weston-super-Mare from 2015.
Fake workshop discovered in Zaragoza
Police said the investigation began last year when the sale of several fake Banksy works was discovered. The workshop in Zaragoza was discovered in December. In it, two ‘young followers’ of Banksy’s art with ‘economic problems’ created the fake works.
Banksy always causes a stir with his artwork. His works have sold for millions. There has been speculation about the artist’s identity for years, but he keeps himself out of the public eye. (AFP)
Banksy’s exact identity is unknown
Banksy is believed to be from the western English city of Bristol, but his exact identity is unknown. In his works he repeatedly addresses social injustices. In November 2022, he caused a stir with a series of photos of war-damaged houses in Ukraine.
His works, which always cause a stir, now fetch millions at auction. Banksy himself has repeatedly criticized the traditional art world with museums and galleries.
Source: Krone
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