Tom Powell
THREE people have been arrested after attempting to sell fake drawings under the names Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse and Joan Miro.
Guardia Civil officer discovered an Andorran man carrying drawings signed by Joan Miro across the border with Spain in July last year.
Despite the accompanying documents declaring its authenticity, they ordered several expert reports. These all confirmed the artworks were fakes.
While under surveillance, the man was found to be making frequent trips between Andorra and Zaragoza, to meet with gallery owners and collectors.
He has now been arrested along with a gallery owner who knowingly helped to sell the works, and one other person.
The three are now being charged with fraud and intellectual property crimes.
So far nine forgeries have been uncovered in the investigation, six by Miro, two by Matisse and one by Picasso.
