Full Breakdown
New Jersey Duo Pleads Guilty to $2 Million Art Forgery Scheme
4/30/2026, 9:13:57 AM
The Forgery Operation and Guilty Pleas
Karolina Bankowska (26) and Erwin Bankowski (50), Polish citizens residing in New Jersey, pleaded guilty to a scheme that produced and sold over 200 forged artworks. The forgeries, created in Poland, were offered to New York auction houses and dealers, causing at least $2 million in losses. Under federal guidelines they face up to three years’ imprisonment, $1.9 million restitution, and possible deportation.
Timeline of the Scheme
- 2020 – The Bankowskis began commissioning a Polish artist to produce counterfeit paintings.
- March 2023 – A forged “Triple Boats” by Raimonds Staprans sold for $60,000 after the artist’s representatives raised concerns.
- October 2025 – A fake Richard Mayhew work sold at DuMouchelles for $160,000, becoming the most lucrative sale.
- April 2026 – The defendants entered guilty pleas in Queens federal court.
Data and Financial Scope
The operation involved at least 200 counterfeit paintings, imitating Andrew Wyeth, Banksy, Andy Warhol, Richard Mayhew, and Fritz Scholder. Fraud losses exceed $2 million. The defendants placed over $1 million in escrow. The top sale was $160,000; another fetched $60,000. Restitution is $1.9 million.
Official Statements & Responses
Bankowska told the judge that her conduct was wrong and she was guilty. Her attorney, Todd Spodek, confirmed the escrow. Bankowski apologized; his lawyer, Jeffrey Chabrowe, said the decision was made to support his family. DuMouchelles indicated cooperation with authorities but declined comment. Bonhams, Phillips, Freeman’s, and Antique Arena did not respond.
Criticism & Opposition
Erin Thompson described the case as “the only unusual thing… that the forgers got caught,” noting that the market’s perception of a “genteel” environment masks a larger prevalence of forgeries. She urged the industry to assume more fakes exist.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Several auction houses declined comment, leaving involvement unverified. No source disputes the financial totals, but the lack of responses creates an incomplete picture of affected parties.
Verbatim Quotes
- “But she seemed credible. It wasn’t an obvious counterfeit.” — Robert Rogal, dealer
- “conduct was wrong and I am guilty.” — Karolina Bankowska, defendant
- “The only unusual thing about this case is that the forgers got caught,” — Erin Thompson, professor
- “You try to do a service and provide it correctly,” — Robert Rogal, dealer
- “regrettably made a terrible decision in an effort to support his family.” — Jeffrey Chabrowe, attorney
Implications for the Art Market
The case highlights vulnerabilities in provenance verification and the use of forged gallery stamps. It underscores the need for heightened due-diligence among dealers and auction houses to mitigate financial loss and preserve market integrity.
What’s Next
Sentencing is pending; the defendants must repay $1.9 million and may face deportation. Ongoing investigations may examine additional transactions and the role of the unnamed Polish artist who produced the forgeries.
