Full Breakdown
Counterfeit Art Scheme Defrauds NYC Auction Houses of $2 Million
4/30/2026, 6:48:09 AM
Core Event: $2 Million Forgery Scheme Uncovered
Erwin Bankowski, 50, and his daughter Karolina Bankowska, 26, Polish citizens living in New Jersey, pleaded guilty on April 28, 2026 in a Brooklyn federal court to a scheme that produced at least 200 forged paintings. Starting in 2020 they hired a Polish artist to copy works by Andy Warhol, Banksy, Andrew Wyeth, Richard Mayhew and Fritz Scholder, using antique paper and counterfeit gallery stamps that cited defunct venues such as M. Knoedler & Co. The fakes were consigned to New York dealer Robert Rogal and sold through auction houses including DuMouchelles, Bonhams and Phillips, netting about $2 million. Prosecutors seek $1.9 million restitution; the defendants placed over $1 million in escrow and face up to 41 months in prison and possible deportation.
Key Players & Context
Erwin Bankowski and Karolina Bankowska were the conspirators. Their buyer, dealer Robert Rogal, first received a purported Andrew Wyeth watercolor. The case was prosecuted by U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. in Brooklyn. Art-crime expert Erin Thompson of City University of New York noted the forged stamps and use of a shuttered gallery name echo the Knoedler scandal that collapsed in 2011. Auction houses DuMouchelles, Bonhams and Phillips were among the victims.
Official Statements & Responses
U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella said the defendants presented themselves as fine-art purveyors while selling false works to unsuspecting buyers. Bankowska’s lawyer Todd Spodek confirmed she placed over $1 million in escrow and accepted responsibility. Attorney Jeffrey Chabrowe said his client made a terrible decision to support his family. DuMouchelles cooperated with investigators but declined further comment.
Criticism & Opposition
Erin Thompson called the operation a classic forgery case and said the only unusual aspect was that the perpetrators were caught, suggesting many similar schemes go undetected. She warned that the art world’s genteel self-image hides a widespread problem of counterfeit works.
Verbatim Quotes
- “But she seemed credible. It wasn’t an obvious counterfeit.” — Robert Rogal, art dealer
- “You try to do a service and provide it correctly,” — Robert Rogal, art dealer
- “The only unusual thing about this case is that the forgers got caught,” — Erin Thompson, professor of art crime, City University of New York
- “painted themselves as purveyors of fine art while selling lies on canvas to unsuspecting collectors,” — Joseph Nocella Jr., U.S. Attorney, Brooklyn
Why It Matters
The case shows how forged provenance can enable multi-million-dollar fraud, shaking confidence in the high-value art market. The $2 million loss and $1.9 million restitution demand tighter due-diligence and verification by collectors and auction houses.
What’s Next
Bankowski and Bankowska are slated for sentencing on August 5, 2026. If convicted they face up to 41 months in prison, must pay restitution and could be deported to Poland. Auction houses say they are reviewing provenance procedures.
