The man behind the spectacular fraud perpetrated through two New York galleries:
Spanish officials say a businessman suspected of having dealt in millions of dollars of fake art has been arrested during Easter festivities in southern Spain.Art dealer Jose Carlos Bergantinos Diaz, who is wanted for fraud in the United States, was arrested Friday at a luxury hotel in Seville. The Interior Ministry said Sunday he was so surprised by his arrest that he had to be attended by medical workers.The arrest came as Seville was full of tourists eager to watch its world-famous Easter processions.
The New York Times adds details:
Mr. Bergantiños’s brother, Jesus Angel Bergantiños Diaz, was also arrested, according to another person with knowledge of the case, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because no charges have been announced in the case. It was not immediately clear whether the United States will seek his extradition as well, but some $33 million netted from the scheme was transferred to bank accounts in his name in Spain.
Dealer Wanted in US for Art Fraud Nabbed in Spain (ABC News)
Jose Carlos Bergantiños Diaz, Suspect in Art Swindle, Is Arrested in Spain (NYTimes)
