Shortly before 13:00, well-known gallerist Giorgos Tsagkarakis was taken to the courts of the former Evelpidon School, after being arrested for antiquities trafficking and forgery.

Hundreds of paintings, five amphorae, two Byzantine icons, and the Gospel that triggered the police investigation are among the findings seized by officers during searches of the businessman’s premises. Mr. Tsagkarakis was arrested yesterday, Friday (20/3), following a raid by the Greek “FBI” on shops and storage facilities he maintained in Kolonaki, Glyfada and Elliniko. During the search, approximately €200,000 in cash was also found.

Watch video of his arrival at Evelpidon:

Tsagkarakis arrives at Evelpidon

According to information, out of approximately 300 paintings that were confiscated, authorities estimate that only seven are authentic. For his part, the gallerist categorically denies the charges against him (antiquities trafficking and forgery).

See what was seized from Giorgos Tsagkarakis’ gallery:

It is also worth noting that a woman, an employee of his, was arrested along with him, and Giorgos Tsagkarakis had allegedly instructed her to hide the Gospel, apparently after realizing that inspections were imminent.

In fact, since yesterday when the operation of the Greek “FBI” at Giorgos Tsagkarakis’ gallery became known, many people have been contacting the authorities to find out whether the works they purchased from him are authentic. Most of those speaking with the police want to know the procedure they should follow to verify the authenticity of the works they have bought.

There had been complaints

It should be noted that the case had come under investigation about a month and a half earlier, when a person who was monitoring the gallerist’s activities informed the authorities, expressing doubts about the authenticity of certain works offered for sale.

The trigger for intensifying the investigation was a post by the gallerist on social media, in which he presented for sale a Gospel dating back to 1745. This specific item was located and seized and is now being examined by experts to determine its authenticity.

Watch video of the presentation of the Gospel by the gallerist:

From its side, the company “Tsagkarakis Gallery Ltd.” states in an announcement that the works found are not part of commercial activity but belong to the owner’s personal collection. As stated: “the company does not trade the specific paintings found in its storage facilities, as they constitute the personal property and personal collection of Mr. Tsagkarakis and originate from inheritance from his deceased parents.”

The same statement notes that possession of the works dates back more than 40 years, while regarding the Gospel presented online, the company states: “the company has already taken the necessary steps to deliver it to the competent authorities so they can assess its authenticity, its dating, and the possibility of its purchase by the Greek state, as the company does not have an experienced expert in religious and similar objects.”

Video recorded in Glyfada shows the moment police remove artworks from the gallery and load them onto a large truck as part of the authorities’ operation.