Father-Daughter Duo Plead Guilty to Selling Counterfeit Art
On Wednesday, federal prosecutors announced that a father and daughter, Irwin Bankowski, 50, and Karolina Bankowska, 26, have pleaded guilty to charges related to selling counterfeit artwork that falsely claimed to be from a well-known contemporary artist.
They could face sentences of up to 20 years in prison, along with potential restitution costs nearing $1.9 million. Prosecutors assert that the duo sold “lies on canvas” and even fabricated ownership histories for the fake artwork they distributed.
FBI Assistant Director James Barnacle remarked, “These two individuals did more than just sell counterfeit art; they aimed to undermine trust, exploit buyers, and gain profit through their fraudulent activities. This case sends a clear message: those who manipulate the market for personal gain will be pursued and held accountable.”
The Justice Department indicated that from 2020 to 2025, the pair conspired to auction over 200 counterfeit art pieces, which they claimed were created by renowned artists.
Notable artists involved include Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso, Banksy, and Native American artist Fritz Scholder, among others.
According to the Justice Department, to make the counterfeit works seem authentic, the defendants devised false stories about their prior storage and ownership. For instance, they allegedly reported that some pieces were held in private collections of individuals linked to the artists, or even in closed museums. They chose galleries that no longer operated, likely to complicate verification for potential buyers.
The defendants reportedly consigned these counterfeit pieces to art galleries and auction houses nationwide, attempting to sell some for as much as $160,000. Throughout their scheme, they duped victims out of at least $2 million.
During a court appearance, Bankowska stated, “What I did was wrong, and I am guilty.” Her attorney mentioned she had more than $1 million in an escrow account. In a similar vein, Irwin Bankowski expressed his regret through an interpreter, with his lawyer noting his “terrible decision” was made to support his family.
