Art Market Monitor

Global Coverage ~ Unique Analysis

  • AMMpro
  • AMM Fantasy Collecting Game
  • Podcast
  • Contact Us

Chicago Dealer Indicted for Fake Print Sales

April 7, 2011 by Marion Maneker

Alan Kass, the owner of Chicago’s Kass/Meridian Gallery, Sawyer Cade and John Panos were indicted after a long-running investigation this week on charges of selling fake Warhol, Dalí, Lichtenstein and Picassos:

Kass and Panos allegedly made fake markings on the prints to make them look like limited-edition works, then Kass and Cade sold them on eBay, at auctions and on two Internet websites Cade maintained for KMG.

The indictment seeks forfeiture of $480,000, the amount Kass fraudulently made through the sale of the fake artwork. The charges stem from an international investigation of fraudulent artwork. Three years ago, the investigation was made public in Chicago when federal agents executed search warrants at KMG. In March 2008, seven defendants from Europe, Florida, New York and Illinois were charged with fraudulently producing or selling $5 million worth of counterfeit fine art prints.

Gallery Owner Sold Fake Warhols: Cops (NBC Chicago)

More from Art Market Monitor

  • Sotheby’s to Offer Bacon Triptych of George Dyer in London for £15-20mSotheby’s to Offer Bacon Triptych of George Dyer in London for £15-20m
  • Phillips's Grand Plans to Be CentralPhillips's Grand Plans to Be Central
  • Dreams, Delusions and a Defense in Pebble BeachDreams, Delusions and a Defense in Pebble Beach
  • Sotheby’s Ends Union Battle: Was the Art Handler Lock Out Worth It?Sotheby’s Ends Union Battle: Was the Art Handler Lock Out Worth It?
  • Da Vinci For Sale: $200mDa Vinci For Sale: $200m
  • Courts Find No Reason to Stop Sotheby’s Board ElectionCourts Find No Reason to Stop Sotheby’s Board Election

Filed Under: Fraud, Theft & Restitution

About Marion Maneker

LiveArt

Want to get Art Market Monitor‘s posts sent to you in our email? Sign up below by clicking on the Subscribe button.

  • About Us/ Contact
  • Podcast
  • AMMpro
  • Newsletter
  • FAQ

twitterfacebooksoundcloud
Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
California Privacy Rights
Do Not Sell My Personal Information
Advertise on Art Market Monitor