Two Romanians who took part in one of the biggest art thefts in history have been sentenced to jail, following a high-profile court case in the country.
|
The pair, Radu Dogaru and Eugen Darie, stole seven paintings from the Kunsthal Rotterdam in the Netherlands last year. They will now serve more than six years in jail each, though both the prosecution and defence plan to launch appeals.
Among the stolen works, which were insured for around $24m, was Picasso's Tete d'Arlequin, Matisse's La Liseuse en Blanc et Jaune, and Monet's Waterloo Bridge.
Dogaru, thought to be the ringleader of the operation, had told the courts that he would reveal the location of the works if the trial were moved from Romania to the Netherlands, however his mother has admitted to burning some of the priceless paintings, and is also awaiting sentencing.
Find out what you can learn from the great Dutch art heist.
Recent and related articles
· Hopper's East Wind over Weehawken realises record $40.4m in New York | 6 December 2013
· Fragonard's d'Harcourt fantasy portrait auctions for record $27.9m | 6 December 2013
· Banksy's Flower Girl mural attracts $204,000 at Julien's Auctions | 6 December 2013
Your collecting
View our stock items for sale | Portfolios for sale
Guides and analysis
Investing in Art | 10 reasons to invest in collectibles | Which asset is right for you?
www.paulfrasercollectibles.com
Images: Wikimedia Commons