In Marin County and across the Bay Area, art buyers might want to pay attention to a New Jersey-based father-daughter scheme that moved millions in forged paintings. Karolina Bankowska, 26, and Erwin Bankowski, 50, admitted they sold fake works attributed to Warhol, Banksy, Picasso, and other big names.
They used forged provenance and fake gallery stamps to trick collectors. The scam spanned from 2020 to 2025, involving about 200 counterfeit pieces and losses close to $2 million.
Discover hand-picked hotels and vacation homes tailored for every traveler. Skip booking fees and secure your dream stay today with real-time availability!
Browse Accommodations Now
Both pleaded guilty in October 2025 and now face prison time and restitution. Federal authorities, with the FBI leading, continue to pursue justice.
Here in Marin, where San Rafael galleries and Sausalito buyers regularly trade contemporary art, this case highlights how crucial provenance and due diligence are if you want to keep the market honest.
The Forgery Ring in the National Art Market
Between 2020 and 2025, the duo ran a scam selling around 200 fake paintings attributed to artists like Andy Warhol, Banksy, Picasso, Raimonds Staprans, Richard Mayhew, and Fritz Scholder. Their operation reached collectors all over the U.S., including those in Bay Area circles looking for high-profile works for San Francisco and Marin County collections.
They built a deceptive paper trail—fabricated provenance, forged gallery stamps on old paper pulled from antique books, and stories of ownership by long-gone galleries. All this created a convincing illusion of authenticity and a believable history.
How the Scheme Worked—Key Tactics
- They faked provenance and forged gallery stamps using aged paper from antique books.
- They claimed defunct galleries had owned the works, making the history sound legit.
- In 2021, they hired a Polish artist to paint forgeries with fake signatures, ramping up their supply.
- The scam started to fall apart in March 2023 when a Staprans representative spotted a suspected fake. Staprans himself later confirmed the forgery in writing.
- Even after the warning, they still managed to sell fake Staprans works for about $60,000, and other forgeries netted tens of thousands. A forged Richard Mayhew painting fetched roughly $160,000 in October 2025.
- All told, the fraud added up to about $2 million from buyers who thought they were getting the real thing.
Impact on Marin County Collectors and the Bay Area Market
For Marin collectors—from San Rafael’s lively arts scene to Mill Valley’s galleries and Sausalito’s waterfront sellers—this case is a sharp reminder: even the most prized works can be faked. Local dealers and galleries in the Bay Area have since tightened provenance checks, and buyers are now urged to demand solid documentation before closing a deal.
The FBI’s investigation and the court actions have sent ripples through San Anselmo, Novato, and Larkspur, sparking new conversations about authentication standards and dealer ethics in our regional art world.
What Buyers and Museums Should Know
- Always check provenance with several independent sources—catalog raisonnés, gallery records, and documented ownership histories matter.
- Be wary of art with sketchy or inconsistent documentation, even if the artist is in high demand.
- Work with trusted Bay Area experts—especially in San Francisco, Marin County, and the East Bay—who can inspect signatures, materials, and provenance notes for anything off.
- Get confirmation from established galleries or artist foundations. If you spot red flags, slow down and dig deeper before you buy.
The Legal Path Forward: What This Plea Means for the Defendants and for Restitution
In October 2025, Karolina Bankowska and Erwin Bankowski pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy and selling false Native American goods. They could face up to 20 years in prison and owe at least $1.9 million in restitution to victims.
This outcome hits families and collectors who invested in what they thought were authentic pieces, including many right here in Marin.
Sentencing and Restitution Details
- Federal authorities say the defendants’ actions undermined market trust. The FBI and its partners chased the case with real determination.
- The potential sentence? Up to 20 years in prison. There’s also mandatory restitution of at least $1.9 million owed to those harmed by the fraud.
- Charges include wire fraud conspiracy and selling fake Native American goods.
For Marin readers, this case is a good reminder: stay sharp when buying art. Around San Rafael, Mill Valley, and Sausalito, galleries and estate sales buzz with activity, but provenance really is everything.
If you love collecting, maybe it’s time to double-check authenticity and stick with sellers you trust. It’s not just about the art—it’s about keeping the Bay Area scene honest and vibrant.
Here is the source article for this story: A San Francisco artist’s painting sold for $60,000. It was fake.
Find available hotels and vacation homes instantly. No fees, best rates guaranteed!
Check Availability Now
Cities and Towns in Marin County
Things to Do in Marin County
Places to Stay in Marin County
