Arrests made in Zaragoza as forged Banksy pieces sold globally for up to €1,500 each

In a significant crackdown, Spanish police have dismantled a forgery ring accused of producing and selling counterfeit artworks purportedly by the renowned street artist Banksy. The operation led to the arrest of two individuals in Zaragoza, located in northeastern Spain, where the counterfeit pieces were reportedly crafted. Additionally, two other suspects, described as having a deep knowledge of the art world, were apprehended for allegedly marketing these forgeries.

The Catalonia regional police force revealed that the syndicate successfully sold at least 25 fake Banksy works, fetching prices up to €1,500 (£1,280) each. These forgeries, created with spray paint on cardboard, found their way into specialized stores, Barcelona auction houses, and online platforms, reaching customers in diverse locations including Germany, Scotland, Spain, and the United States.

The counterfeit artworks were accompanied by falsified certificates, misleading buyers into believing they were acquiring genuine pieces from Banksy’s Dismaland project. Dismaland, a temporary art installation set up in 2015 in the English seaside town of Weston-super-Mare, was a dystopian take on a theme park, near Banksy’s home city of Bristol. Known as “the UK’s most disappointing new visitor attraction”, it featured satirical and darkly humorous exhibits.

The investigation into the forgery ring commenced last year after law enforcement became aware of several suspicious sales of purported Banksy pieces. A breakthrough came in December when a workshop in Zaragoza was identified as the production site for these forgeries, operated by two young individuals who admired Banksy’s work and were facing financial difficulties.

With the investigation ongoing, authorities have not dismissed the possibility of additional arrests, signalling a continued effort to clamp down on art forgery and protect the integrity of the art market. Banksy, an enigmatic figure whose true identity remains a closely guarded secret, is celebrated for his provocative street art that often emerges in unexpected places around the world, critiquing societal and political issues. His original works are highly coveted, making them a prime target for forgers seeking to capitalize on his fame and the global demand for his art.