The Art Newspaper reports on the German prosecution of a ring of art forgers who were caught with an extraordinary cache of fake sculptures two years ago. The two central figures are a Mainz art dealer and a con man posing as a German aristocrat. In addition, there were three others charged. The Mainz dealer’s wife and two dealers from Wiesbaden who were recently given suspended sentences and large fines.

Charlotte Burns went to Stuttgart’s prosecutor Mirja Feldmann for details on the two central figures:

Feldmann has asked that the Mainz dealer be sentenced to nine years, if convicted, although if he confesses, this is likely to be reduced. It is thought the “count” may receive a longer sentence, if convicted, as he is alleged to be the operation’s front man.

Giacometti Forgers Face Jail (The Art Newspaper)