Erwin Bankowski and Karolina Bankowska pleaded guilty on Apr. 28 at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn to wire fraud conspiracy and misrepresentation of Native American produced goods and products. United States District Judge Nicholas G. Garaufis presided over the proceeding, where both defendants admitted their roles in a scheme that involved selling counterfeit artworks attributed to well-known artists.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by federal authorities to protect buyers, authentic artists, and cultural heritage from fraudulent activity in the art market. The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York handles such federal crime prosecutions and represents civil matters for the district, according to the official website.
United States Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. said, “For years, these defendants painted themselves as purveyors of fine art while selling lies on canvas to unsuspecting collectors. Today’s convictions strip away the varnish and reveal the fraud underneath.” Nocella also thanked law enforcement partners for their work on this case.
FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle Jr. said, “These two individuals didn’t just sell counterfeit art – they undermined trust, exploited buyers, and attempted to profit from fraud. In this instance, the FBI with its partners has made it clear that those who manipulate the market for personal gain will be caught and held accountable.”
Doug Ault of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service stated: “This artwork scheme doesn't just cheat buyers. It steals from Native American artists and undermines the integrity of an entire cultural marketplace... Selling fake native America art is a serious crime, and our Special Agents investigate these cases to hold offenders accountable and protect authentic Indian artists, their work, and their livelihoods.”
Meredith Stanton from Indian Arts and Crafts Board added: “Due to the outstanding work of [the agencies], ...the message is clear... For those selling counterfeit Indian art it is important to know that wherever you are we will diligently work to find you and hold you accountable.”
From 2020 through 2025, Bankowski (age 50) and Bankowska (age 26), who are father and daughter from Lawrence, New Jersey, conspired to consign more than 200 counterfeit artworks—allegedly by Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso, Banksy among others—to galleries across the United States with false provenance documents created using forged stamps or certificates affixed onto aged paper sourced from antique books.
The defendants defrauded victims out of at least $2 million through sales including a purported Raimond Staprans piece sold for $60,000; a Banksy for $2,000; an Andy Warhol for $5,500; as well as a Richard Mayhew painting sold for $160,000.
The Office’s Public Integrity and General Crimes Sections handled prosecution duties with Assistant United States Attorney Sean M. Sherman leading efforts alongside Paralegal Specialist Johnson Peow.
The U.S. Attorney’s office supports community outreach initiatives across Brooklyn/Queens/Staten Island/Nassau/Suffolk counties per its official website (official website). Offices are maintained in Brooklyn & Central Islip (official website), under leadership currently provided by Breon Peace (official website). The office serves as designated federal prosecutor's office covering these regions (official website).
As sentencing approaches—with potential penalties up to twenty years’ imprisonment plus restitution—the outcome signals increased vigilance against fraudulent practices affecting both consumers & creators within cultural markets.
