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NJ Duo Sold $2M in Fake Masterpieces
29 Apr
Summary
- A father and daughter sold over 200 counterfeit artworks.
- The fake art, including pieces by Warhol and Picasso, sold for over $2 million.
- The duo pleaded guilty and face prison sentences up to 41 months.
A father and daughter residing in New Jersey have admitted guilt in a sophisticated art fraud scheme. Erwin Bankowski and Karolina Bankowska were involved in selling over 200 counterfeit artworks, accumulating more than $2 million in illicit sales.
The fraudulent collection featured pieces mimicking the styles of renowned artists like Andy Warhol, Picasso, and Fritz Scholder. These counterfeits were created by an artist in Poland at the Bankowskis' behest.
On Tuesday, the duo entered guilty pleas in Federal District Court in Brooklyn. They are scheduled for sentencing on August 5, with federal guidelines suggesting prison terms between 33 and 41 months for each. As Polish citizens, they also face deportation following their sentences.
