Police seize fake art from Brussels galleries

Authorities have seized counterfeit figurines, lithographs and sculptures from two Brussels art galleries as part of a years-long investigation conducted by the economy ministry and the judicial police.

The scammers were convicted of forgery, use of fake pieces, surreptitious work, deceptive practices and fraud, the Brussels public prosecutor's office announced this week.

The seizures concern more than 10 fake Art Nouveau sculptures by artists such as German sculptor Ferdinand Preiss, French Claire Colinet and French-Romanian Demeter Chiparus that were sold for €2,500 to €25,000. Investigators also found forged lithographs by well-known 20th-century artist Joan Miró.

Brussels federal judicial police carried out searches of sales premises and residences of certain suspects, examined their bank details and questioned duped buyers during the investigation.

Four of the offenders, who were active in two galleries - including an itinerant gallery - were convicted.

They received suspended prison sentences and fines of up to €40,000. One of them also received a five-year professional ban. The artworks in question were confiscated and the illegal assets were forfeited.

The itinerant weekend sales of artworks in hotels and reception rooms were also stopped.

Photo: Tony Behar/Belga