Full Breakdown
New Jersey Father-Daughter Duo Pleads Guilty to $2 Million Art Forgery Scheme
4/30/2026, 4:36:07 AM
Counterfeit Art Scheme Exposed
Polish citizens Karolina Bankowska, 26, and her father Erwin Bankowski, 50, residing in New Jersey, pleaded guilty in federal court to a wire-fraud conspiracy that produced and sold at least 200 forged artworks. Beginning in 2020, they commissioned an unnamed Polish artist to copy works by Andrew Wyeth, Banksy, Andy Warhol, Richard Mayhew, and Luiseño painter Fritz Scholder, among others. The indictment also alleges misrepresentation of Native American-produced goods for a duplicate of Luiseño artist Fritz Scholder. The fakes were consigned to New York dealer Robert Rogal and sold through auction houses including DuMouchelles, Bonhams, Phillips, Freeman’s and Antique Arena, generating more than $2 million in fraudulent proceeds.
Context and Precedent
Art forgery has long plagued the market; the 2011 collapse of M. Knoedler & Co. remains a benchmark scandal. Prosecutors noted the Bankowskas used antique paper and forged gallery stamps, including the defunct M. Knoedler & Co. name. Erin Thompson, professor of art crime at City University of New York, called the scheme “a classic of the genre” and warned that many similar forgeries likely remain undetected.
Timeline
- 2020 – Commissioning of forgeries began.
- March 2023 – Artist Raimonds Staprans’ representatives flagged a forged “Triple Boats,” later sold for $60,000.
- October (previous year) – A counterfeit Richard Mayhew sold at DuMouchelles for $160,000.
- On Tuesday – Bankowska and Bankowski entered guilty pleas.
Scale and Financial Impact
The operation produced at least 200 counterfeit pieces, defrauding buyers of roughly $2 million. Prosecutors seek $1.9 million in restitution. Bankowska placed over $1 million in escrow; sentencing guidelines allow more than three years in prison and possible deportation to Poland.
Official Statements & Responses
Attorney Todd Spodek confirmed the escrow deposit, while Jeffrey Chabrowe said his client “regrettably made a terrible decision in an effort to support his family.” Rogal noted the Wyeth stamp appeared “too clean” to list, and DuMouchelles said it is cooperating with authorities but cannot discuss the Mayhew sale. Bankowski also apologized through a Polish interpreter.
Industry Critique
Thompson warned that the case is notable only because the forgers were caught, suggesting many similar schemes remain hidden. She highlighted the deceptive use of the defunct Knoedler name on forged stamps, linking the fraud to historic gallery scandals.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The only unusual thing about this case is that the forgers got caught,” — Erin Thompson, professor of art crime, City University of New York
- “You try to do a service and provide it correctly,” — Robert Rogal, New York art dealer
- “conduct was wrong and I am guilty.” — Karolina Bankowska, defendant
- “regrettably made a terrible decision in an effort to support his family.” — Erwin Bankowski, defendant (via interpreter)
- “But she seemed credible. It wasn’t an obvious counterfeit.” — Robert Rogal, art dealer
What’s Next
The duo now await sentencing, which will determine imprisonment length, final restitution, and whether deportation to Poland will be ordered. Federal investigators say they will review auction-house due-diligence practices in light of the case.
