The investigation by the Hellenic Police into well-known gallerist Giorgos Tsagkarakis began with an anonymous complaint that later became formal, according to police spokesperson Konstantia Dimoglidi, shedding light on how authorities uncovered the case involving art forgery and antiquities trafficking.

Speaking to SKAI, Dimoglidi said that on March 6, the Organized Crime Directorate received a report from individuals with knowledge of the art and antiquities sector, which triggered the investigation.

As she explained, “A citizen initially contacted the police anonymously, and later we also received a named complaint suggesting that some of the artworks handled and promoted by this individual might be fake.” The investigation led to the arrest of the gallerist, who has already been brought before an investigating judge along with another person.

According to the police spokesperson, the second individual is believed to have been used to hide the Gospel manuscript. “He has already been referred to the investigating judge; we are now waiting to hear his defense,” she said. A key focus of the investigation is an old Gospel, dated around 1750, whose authenticity and origin are being examined.

Authorities are placing particular emphasis on how the artworks and antiquities came into the suspect’s possession—an issue that remains unclear. “He will have to explain to the investigating authorities how these ancient objects came into his possession, as well as what process was followed regarding the fake artworks,” Dimoglidi noted.

Based on findings so far, most of the seized works are believed to be counterfeit. As revealed, “only 7 of the artworks found appear to be genuine,” while a large sum of cash was also discovered.

More than €200,000 in cash was seized, increasing authorities’ interest in the overall scale of the suspect’s activities and the potential extent of the case.

Criminal charges

Earlier today, the Athens First Instance Prosecutor’s Office filed serious criminal charges against the gallerist.

He faces four felony charges and one misdemeanor, including:

• Embezzlement of ancient and modern monuments of particularly high value (on a professional basis)
• Failure to declare antiquities
• Aggravated forgery, distribution, and possession of artworks with intent to deceive (on a commercial scale and repeatedly)
• Fraud causing particularly significant financial damage (repeatedly)

After the charges were filed, the accused was brought before an investigating judge and requested—and received—a deadline to prepare his defense, which is scheduled for Tuesday.