8 Arrested Over Biggest Art Fraud in World History
People reports that eight individuals have been arrested in connection to a case that police are calling the “biggest art fraud in world history.” 38 charges have been laid down along with the arrests involving the case of widespread artwork forgery of renowned Canadian leading contemporary indigenous artist, Norval Morrisseau.
The fraud scheme has allegedly spanned decades and even aroused suspicion before Morriseau’s death in 2007. Police believe between 4,000 and 6,500 “Morriseau works” were created and forged, with an estimated value of $100 million, according to Artforum.
Three different groups were allegedly behind the fraud, copying the artists style and releasing them in his name.
The investigation of the forgeries allegedly began after Canadian filmmaker, Jamie Kastner created a documentary in 2019 titled There Are No Fakes, which highlighted a lawsuit between Barenaked Ladies band member, Kevin Hearn and the Maslak McLeod Gallery.
