Seize more than 20 paintings and sketches from Lisbon studio
An alleged art forger, who kept his work strictly national – but has reportedly “caused damage to his victims totalling hundreds of thousands of euros” – has been arrested by PJ police in Lisbon.
The 56-year-old is cited for “forging and selling paintings by renowned artists” like Paula Rego, and Manuel Cargaleiro (both recently deceased).
His modus operandi appears to be that he “posed as a doctor to gain the trust and credibility of potential clients”.
Investigating “Operation Fresh Paint”, PJ police “located a commercial space in Lisbon that the suspect used as an studio, where more than two dozen paintings and sketches bearing the signatures of renowned artists such as Paula Rego, Júlio Resende, Malangatana, Cargaleiro, Cesariny, Cruzeiro Seixas and Cutileiro were found and seized”.
The works showed “clear indications of having been forged”, says a PJ statement today.
Various items of painting ‘equipment’ that police believe were used in the forgeries were also seized, while the artist has already been questioned and given bail, in the sum of €5,000.
The so far unidentified man has also been ordered to report to police once a week. ND
Source material: LUSA
