⏱ 2 min read
A brazen scheme to sell fake art to unsuspecting collectors has ended in a guilty plea for two Brooklyn residents, Erwin Bankowski and Karolina Bankowska.
The pair, who targeted buyers with counterfeit works attributed to famous artists like Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, and Banksy, used their scheme to exploit buyers and undermine trust in the art market.
According to the indictment, the scheme spanned years and involved the sale of fake Native American art, including pieces attributed to renowned Luiseño artist Fritz Scholder.
“For years, these defendants painted themselves as purveyors of fine art while selling lies on canvas to unsuspecting collectors,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella.
The pair could face up to 20 years in prison and must pay at least $1.9 million in restitution.
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📋 Key Facts
- Crime: White Collar Crime
- Defendant: wire fraud
- Location: NY
- Source: DOJ Press Release
