Rome – The Carabinieri carried out an operation targeting the trafficking of counterfeit 19th-century artworks from Naples. Ten individuals were identified as suspects, and seizures were made nationwide. The investigation was coordinated by the Public Prosecutor’s Office at the Court of Torre Annunziata.
The Carabinieri’s specialized unit for the protection of cultural heritage (Comando per la Tutela del Patrimonio Culturale) carried out the operation. The investigation focused on the alleged trafficking of art forgeries attributed to the 19th-century Neapolitan art market. Such forgeries can cause significant harm to the art market and deceive collectors and museums.
Extensive Investigation into Art Forgers
Investigators focused on uncovering a network allegedly specializing in the production and distribution of these counterfeit works of art. The seizures, which took place in various parts of Italy, reportedly included the counterfeit paintings and possibly also materials used in the forgeries. Details regarding the exact locations of the seizures or the nature of the artworks were not disclosed.
The Carabinieri believe that the alleged perpetrators were active over an extended period of time and distributed the counterfeit goods on the market. The Torre Annunziata District Attorney’s Office is leading the ongoing investigation into this case. The accused are presumed innocent.
