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Greek Police Arrest 3 Accused of Faking and Selling at Auction Scores of Artworks

The Parthenon temple is reflected in a puddle, while people visit the Ancient Acropolis archaeological site in Athens, Greece, December 3, 2024. (Reuters)
The Parthenon temple is reflected in a puddle, while people visit the Ancient Acropolis archaeological site in Athens, Greece, December 3, 2024. (Reuters)
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Greek Police Arrest 3 Accused of Faking and Selling at Auction Scores of Artworks

The Parthenon temple is reflected in a puddle, while people visit the Ancient Acropolis archaeological site in Athens, Greece, December 3, 2024. (Reuters)
The Parthenon temple is reflected in a puddle, while people visit the Ancient Acropolis archaeological site in Athens, Greece, December 3, 2024. (Reuters)

Three people have been arrested in northern Greece on suspicion of systematically counterfeiting works by leading Greek artists and selling them as originals through an online auction house, police said Friday.

A police statement said the arrests were carried out Wednesday on the eve of a live internet sale of 123 paintings and sculptures by the auctioneers, who were based in the northern city of Thessaloniki.

An art expert from Greece's National Gallery who examined the works found that all 123 were "clearly" forgeries, the police statement said.

Officers raided the auction house premises and four locations where paintings were allegedly forged, and seized more than 800 other artworks whose authenticity and provenance are under investigation.

Based on the sale estimates, authorities said Thursday's planned auction was expected to have raised between 288,000 and 398,000 euros ($305,000 and 421,000).

The artworks to be sold included paintings by deceased 20th-century artists Yannis Gaitis, Nikos Hadjikyriakos-Ghikas and Alekos Fassianos, according to the auction catalogue. Their work is highly popular among collectors and can command prices that run into five figures.

The three suspects, two men aged 70 and 62 and a 42-year-old woman, were charged Friday with repeated acts of forgery, as well as receiving and trying to sell products of crime.

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‘Common Ground’ Event Celebrating Iraqi Culture Opens in Riyadh

The "Common Ground" event is held at Mega Studios in Riyadh. SPA
The "Common Ground" event is held at Mega Studios in Riyadh. SPA
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‘Common Ground’ Event Celebrating Iraqi Culture Opens in Riyadh

The "Common Ground" event is held at Mega Studios in Riyadh. SPA
The "Common Ground" event is held at Mega Studios in Riyadh. SPA

The "Common Ground" event, organized by the Saudi Ministry of Culture, opens on Wednesday to the public until December 31 at Mega Studios in Riyadh, celebrating Iraqi culture and the historical and cultural bonds between the Kingdom and Iraq.

Visitors are set to embark on a rich journey filled with sensory, visual, and auditory experiences within an immersive environment that invites interaction and engagement with the cultures of both nations, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The event is divided into four main sections. The first features an art exhibition showcasing over 100 pieces by renowned Saudi and Iraqi artists, highlighting the deep cultural similarities and emphasizing significant historical milestones backed by thorough research. This section includes diverse cultural sectors that reflect an esthetic blend of creativity and cultural diversity in a harmonious setting. "The Host" segment offers a pathway titled "Dialogue Between Civilizations," which illustrates the interwoven histories of Saudi Arabia and Iraq, emphasizing their longstanding relationship and cultural connections.

The second section, "Al-Mutanabbi Street," presents an Arabic calligraphy mural, poems by Al-Mutanabbi, and the Shabandar Café. It highlights the cultural significance of the revered poet Al-Mutanabbi in Baghdad, creating an atmosphere that reflects authentic literary and cultural traditions with book-filled shops and seminars that delve into cultural and intellectual topics relevant to both countries. All this is complemented by musical performances that tie everything together with a rich cultural backdrop.

In the third section called "Realm of Melody and Authenticity," classical music concerts will create a fitting ambiance, featuring performances by leading Saudi and Iraqi artists. It will also honor various artists whose contributions have enriched the cultural and artistic scene.

"Path of Connection" is the fourth section that showcases diverse aspects of both Saudi and Iraqi cultures, deepening visitors’ experiences and familiarizing them with the cultural elements of each nation. A vibrant, creative area for children will offer enjoyable learning activities centered around the cultures of both countries, including heritage games, arts and crafts, and interactive storytelling.

The restaurant area promises a unique culinary experience featuring dishes that blend Saudi and Iraqi flavors reflecting both nations’ rich heritage and authentic culinary traditions. Visitors may also enjoy an array of hot and cold beverages, such as distinctly flavored Saudi coffee and traditional Iraqi tea, embodying the hospitality that is at the heart of Arab culture.

The event aims to deepen cultural understanding through innovative artistic experiences that showcase the civilizations of Saudi Arabia and Iraq. It highlights the shared heritage and arts of both nations and contributes to strengthening the cultural relations between their peoples.

This initiative reflects the Ministry of Culture's dedication to fostering international cultural exchange as part of the national cultural strategy under Saudi Vision 2030.