Full Breakdown
New Jersey Father-Daughter Duo Pleads Guilty in $2 Million Art Forgery Scheme
5/1/2026, 1:22:48 AM
Scheme Overview
Erwin Bankowski, 50, and his daughter Karolina Bankowska, 26, both Polish citizens living in New Jersey, pleaded guilty in Brooklyn federal court to a wire-fraud conspiracy that involved creating and consigning more than 200 counterfeit artworks. The forgeries—produced by an unnamed Polish artist—were attributed to Andy Warhol, Banksy, Pablo Picasso, Andrew Wyeth, Raimonds Staprans, Richard Mayhew and Luiseño artist Fritz Scholder. The works were sold through major New York auction houses, including DuMouchelles, Bonhams, Phillips, Freeman’s and Antique Arena, generating at least $2 million in proceeds. The defendants face up to 20 years imprisonment, $1.9 million in restitution and possible deportation.
Background & Methodology
Prosecutors say the scheme began in 2020 when the pair commissioned the Polish artist to paint imitations on antique-paper stock. They fabricated provenance by forging gallery stamps, attaching counterfeit certificates of authenticity and citing defunct galleries—e.g., a stamp bearing the name of M. Knoedler & Co., which closed in 2011. One forged Wyeth bore a 1976 date but included a zoning address discontinued in 1962, a detail later flagged by art-crime expert Erin Thompson. The counterfeit works were presented to dealers as “family heirlooms” or consigned on a “fuzzy” provenance.
Timeline of Key Events
- 2020 – Commissioning of Polish artist and start of forgery production.
- March 2023 – Representatives of artist Raimonds Staprans identified a forged “Triple Boats” painting sold for $60,000, prompting scrutiny.
- October 2025 – DuMouchelles auctioned a purported Richard Mayhew for $160,000, later identified as counterfeit.
- April 30 2026 – Bankowski and Bankowska entered guilty pleas in Brooklyn federal court.
Scale and Financial Impact
- Number of forgeries: >= 200 pieces.
- Total fraud loss: >= $2 million.
- Highest single sale: $160,000 (Richard Mayhew).
- Other notable sales: $5,500 (Warhol), $2,000 (Banksy), $60,000 (Staprans).
- Restitution ordered: $1.9 million.
Official Statements & Responses
U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. said the defendants “painted themselves as purveyors of fine art while selling lies on canvas.” The FBI, represented by Assistant Director James Barnacle, described the case as a clear warning that market manipulation will be prosecuted. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, via Assistant Director Doug Ault, noted that the scheme “steals from Native American artists and undermines the integrity of an entire cultural marketplace.” Defense attorneys reported that Bankowska placed over $1 million in escrow and that both defendants expressed remorse.
Criticism & Opposition
Art-crime scholar Erin Thompson called the operation “a classic of the genre” and warned that the prevalence of forgeries is far greater than the industry acknowledges. She highlighted the deceptive use of defunct-gallery stamps and the “too clean” provenance as red flags that were ultimately missed.
On-the-Ground Account
New York dealer Robert Rogal recalled receiving the Wyeth consignment, estimating a $20,000-$30,000 auction value, and later re-examining the piece in a Queens warehouse, stating, “Can we be fooled? Absolutely.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the statutory maximum: NPR notes “more than three years” under federal guidelines, while Patch, Fox News and the Department of Justice cite a potential 20-year term. Several auction houses (Bonhams, Phillips, Freeman’s, Antique Arena) declined comment, leaving the full scope of buyer losses unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The only unusual thing about this case is that the forgers got caught,” — Erin Thompson, professor of art crime, CUNY
- “People think of the art world as a genteel place full of cultured people who just want to share the wonder of beautiful art. You should assume there are a lot more fakes out there.” — Erin Thompson
- “For years, these defendants painted themselves as purveyors of fine art while selling lies on canvas to unsuspecting collectors. Today’s convictions strip away the varnish and reveal the fraud underneath.” — Joseph Nocella Jr., U.S. Attorney
- “Those who manipulate the market for personal gain will be caught and held accountable,” — James Barnacle, FBI Assistant Director
- “It steals from Native American artists and undermines the integrity of an entire cultural marketplace,” — Doug Ault, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Assistant Director
- “My conduct was wrong and I am guilty.” — Karolina Bankowska, defendant
What’s Next
The defendants await sentencing later in 2026. The court will determine imprisonment length, enforce restitution and consider possible deportation. Ongoing investigations may examine additional consignments and the role of the unnamed Polish artist.
