Unmasking the Masters: German Police Bust Elaborate Art Forgery Ring

German authorities dismantled a sophisticated forgery operation involving fake masterpieces by renowned artists like Picasso and Rembrandt. The alleged ring leader and ten accomplices face charges of organized conspiracy after attempting to sell forged paintings for millions. Seized artworks included a fake Rembrandt worth $151 million.

German police have uncovered a large-scale forgery ring, revealing fraudulent canvases purported to be works by renowned artists such as Pablo Picasso and Rembrandt. The operation, broken up after coordinated raids in Germany and Switzerland, attempted to sell these counterfeit masterpieces for millions, including one long displayed at Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum.

The alleged mastermind, a 77-year-old man from southwestern Germany, has been arrested and conditionally released. He and ten accomplices are accused of organized conspiracy to commit art fraud on a grand scale. The investigation began after attempts to sell two supposed Picassos, one depicting photographer Dora Maar, Picasso's muse.

Authorities discovered a forged Rembrandt 'De Staalmeesters' offered for 120 million Swiss francs. An 84-year-old Swiss woman held this painting, claiming the Rijksmuseum piece was a copy. The group also sought buyers for 19 other fake artworks, attributing them to artists like Rubens, van Dyck, and Modigliani, for amounts ranging from 400,000 to 14 million euros.

(With inputs from agencies.)