Two art galleries in Brussels have been caught selling fake artwork, and four art dealers have been charged with forgery, fraud and deceptive practices.
The Economy Ministry and Federal Judicial Police have uncovered ongoing criminal practices in two Brussels art galleries in an investigation that lasted for several years. Sculptures, lithographs and paintings were falsely engraved with the names of well-known artists and sold for thousands of euros above their true value.
Joan Miró, Ferdinand Preiss, Claire Colinet and Demeter Chiparus were among the names attached to the counterfeit artworks, along with an 'E.A.' (Épreuve d'Artiste, or 'Artist's Proof') stamp next to the signatures.
More than a dozen Art Nouveau artworks have since been seized, some of which were sold for between €2,500 and €3,000. Two large portraits were each sold for over €25,000.
Criminal charges
Four art dealers were convicted of forgery and use of false certificates of authenticity, fraudulent work, deceptive commercial practices and fraud by the French-speaking Court of First Instance in Brussels.
They received suspended prison sentences and fines of up to €40,000. One individual also received a five-year professional ban. The works of art in question were seized and the illegal assets confiscated.
One of the institutions operating illegally was a travelling gallery. The case has resulted in stricter regulation for galleries of this type: pop-up sales in hotels and reception halls are no longer permitted.
The new rule aims to protect consumers and end unfair competitition that was harmful to art dealers' reputations in Brussels.
