Italian authorities have dismantled a significant art forgery network operating across Europe, leading to the seizure of over 2,100 counterfeit artworks. The operation, named "Cariatide," resulted in 38 individuals being investigated for forgery, handling stolen goods, and illegal art sales.
The investigation began in March 2023 when Italian art police seized approximately 200 counterfeit contemporary artworks from a businessman in Pisa, including a forged caryatid attributed to Amedeo Modigliani. This discovery prompted further scrutiny of online auction sites, revealing suspiciously low-priced artworks that led investigators to uncover six forgery workshops—three in Italy and three in other European countries—housing over 1,000 fake works, 450 counterfeit certificates, and 50 fraudulent stamps.
The counterfeit artworks were attributed to renowned artists such as Banksy, Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró, Salvador Dalí, and others. Notably, Banksy was among the most frequently forged artists. The forgers even organized two exhibitions featuring fake Banksy works in Mestre, Veneto, and Cortona, Tuscany, to enhance the credibility of their forgeries.
Authorities emphasized the potential economic impact of these counterfeit artworks, estimating that, had they been sold, they could have resulted in significant financial losses, potentially altering the art market landscape. The operation underscores the importance of vigilance and due diligence in the art world to prevent the circulation of counterfeit works.
Many of the seized artworks are now on display at Pisa's Palazzo Toscanelli, offering the public insight into the scale and sophistication of art forgery operations.