Reveal Fancy Galleries, Fake Art
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Dec 20, 2025 Giselle Rigatau, an investigative reporter known for her deep dives into art fraud, and Jason Hernandez, a lead federal prosecutor specializing in art crimes, unpack a scandal where two prestigious galleries sold over $80 million in fake masterpieces. They discuss the cunning methods behind the operation and the challenges of prosecuting art crimes, shedding light on why galleries escaped indictment. Additionally, they explore a looted Modigliani painting linked to the Panama Papers, revealing the tangled web of ownership and legal battles that followed.
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Collector's $4M De Kooning Turns Out Fake
- John Howard bought a de Kooning for $4 million and later learned it was fake after an expert pointed out an anachronistic pigment.
- He saw the painting as a family milestone and felt betrayed when its authenticity collapsed.
Trust In Galleries Fueled The Fraud
- Ninety percent of the 63 fake masterpieces were sold through two trusted New York galleries over 15 years, totaling over $80 million.
- The fraud relied on institutional trust rather than direct street sales from the forgers.
Garage Forgeries Dressed Up As Heirlooms
- The forgeries were produced in a Queens garage using tricks like rubbing tea bags and adding dust to simulate age.
- A Chinese painter churned out works in the styles of Pollock, Warhol, Rothko and others for the scheme.