Father and Daughter Plead Guilty in $2 Million Art Forgery Scheme Affecting Collectors
Erwin Bankowski and his daughter, Karolina Bankowska, from Lawrence, New Jersey, have pleaded guilty to orchestrating a five-year scheme involving the sale of over 200 counterfeit artworks. These works were falsely attributed to renowned artists such as Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso, and Banksy, among others. The fraudulent activities, which took place between 2020 and 2025, defrauded buyers of at least $2 million. The counterfeit pieces were sold through reputable galleries and auction houses across the United States, with prices ranging from $2,000 to $160,000. The duo used forged gallery stamps and certificates of authenticity to deceive buyers. They are facing recommended prison terms of 33 to 41 months, and prosecutors are seeking restitution of at least $1.9 million. 
