Father-Daughter Duo Plead Guilty in $2M Counterfeit Art Scheme
On April 28, Erwin Bankowski and his daughter Karoline Bankowska from New Jersey admitted guilt in federal court in Brooklyn to charges of wire fraud conspiracy and falsely representing goods made by Native Americans. From 2020 to 2025, they ran a fraudulent art operation, selling over 200 counterfeit pieces attributed to renowned artists like Andy Warhol, Banksy, and Pablo Picasso, deceiving buyers out of at least $2 million. They created fake ownership records, forged gallery stamps and authenticity certificates, and enlisted a Polish artist to produce the forgeries. Notable fakes included a Raimond Staprans seascape for $60,000 and a Banksy piece for $2,000. Facing up to 20 years in prison and $1.9 million in restitution, sentencing is scheduled for August 5.
Key facts
- Erwin Bankowski and Karoline Bankowska pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy and misrepresenting Native American goods.
- The scheme ran from 2020 to 2025, placing over 200 counterfeit works into the market.
- Forged artists include Andy Warhol, Banksy, Pablo Picasso, Richard Mayhew, and Raimond Staprans.
- Buyers were defrauded of at least $2 million.
- The pair fabricated provenance and forged gallery stamps and certificates of authenticity.
- Charges under the Indian Arts and Crafts Act relate to misrepresentation of Native American heritage.
- They face up to 20 years in prison, $1.9 million restitution, and deportation.
- Sentencing is scheduled for August 5.
Entities
Artists
- Andy Warhol
- Banksy
- Pablo Picasso
- Richard Mayhew
- Raimond Staprans
- Fritz Scholder
Institutions
- U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of New York
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
- Artnet News
- United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York
- US Fish and Wildlife Service
Locations
- New Jersey
- Brooklyn
- Poland
- United States
- Washington state