The Organized Crime Unit dismantled a gang that collected many thousands of euros through the sale of forged paintings and gold bars.

Two men, aged 42 and 57, were arrested in connection with the case — the latter is a lawyer. The countdown to the group’s breakdown began when a businessman went to the Department for the Protection of Antiquities and reported the fraud.

Specifically, the man stated that he gave €300,000 to the 57-year-old to obtain gold bars. However, the gold bars he received turned out to be fake.

He was then told not to worry, as he would be repaid with valuable paintings. This happened, but the paintings also proved to be forgeries.

Following this, the businessman decided to approach the authorities and report the scam.

A police investigation followed, which revealed that the two accused are also connected to the members of the organization who last June attempted to sell a forged Picasso painting for €25 million.

At that time, the “buyers” were police officers and, immediately after the transaction, they arrested 13 members of the organization.

Regarding this specific case, officers of the Hellenic Police carried out raids on the homes of the two men reported by the businessman and discovered 481 paintings, two certificates of authenticity, as well as weapons belonging to the 57-year-old arrested man.

According to an expert’s assessment, the majority of the paintings were found to be forged. It should be noted that among them were also fake works by a well-known Greek painter, whose genuine works have been classified as monuments of modern cultural heritage.

The arrested individuals were brought before the competent prosecutorial authority.