CNN —Spanish police said they have shut down an alleged forgery ring selling fake Banksy artworks across the US and Europe for up to 1,500 euros ($1,642) a piece.
Investigators seized nine artworks during a raid of an apartment in the city of Zaragoza, northern Spain, according to Catalan police.
Video Ad Feedback Related video: Banksy shares behind-the-scenes video from Ukraine 00:58 - Source: CNNPolice said they have charged four people with fraud and intellectual property offenses.
Investigators said Banksy’s Pest Control organization, the only body able to officially authenticate the artist’s work, has confirmed that pieces linked to the Zaragoza workshop are fake, as are the accompanying certificates.
Police became suspicious after noticing that many similar works had become available on the market, the statement added.
Persons:
Banksy, ”
Organizations:
CNN, police, Historical Heritage Unit, CNN Police, Pest Control
Locations:
Europe, Zaragoza, Spain, Germany, Switzerland, United States, United Kingdom, Ukraine, Pest, British, Bristol, —