Estepona police bust a fake art ring

In a large operation in Estepona, Malaga and other areas of Spain, the police seized 24 fake works including those falsely signed as Pablo Picasso or Le Corbusier. On the black market, these forgeries were valued at millions of Euros.

In 2023, authorities received information about suspicious art sales taking place in Estepona. Officers traced the fakes back to a network that had been passing off copies of famous 20th-century artworks as originals. The group sold the fakes to private European collectors and galleries.

During property searches by the police, they recovered several carefully aged paintings. Some even had fake certificates of authenticty. Some of the paintings were ready for shipping, while others were hung up in luxurious homes in Estepona or nearby towns.

Experts confirmed they were high-quality forgeries. Artwork that mimicked signatures and styles from iconic artists was initially mistaken for the real thing. Investigators think the gang has been selling fakes at high prices for many years.

As of now, three people, including a man suspected of forging signatures, are being investigated. All three people have connections with the international art world. The case could develop to include more arrests.

The Costa del Sol is not the first place where art forgeries appear. The region is a hotbed for both authentic and fake high-end art, thanks to its wealth and private buyers.

Before buying expensive artwork, collectors should check the provenance of their purchases and consult with experts.