Counterfeit Banksy prints investigation, by met on Jul 3, 2009 20:55:35 GMT 1, STATEMENT FROM THE METROPOLITAN POLICE:

The Metropolitan Police Art and Antiques Unit is currently conducting an investigation into the sale of counterfeit "Banksy" screenprints. To date, three people have been charged with offences of fraud, possessing articles for use in fraud, and money laundering. The three people in question are Lee Parker, Grant Champkins-Howard, and [REMOVED]

DC Ian LAWSON would like to hear from anyone who has purchased "Banksy limited edition" prints (except if bought directly from Pictures On Walls) or "Banksy back door" prints in the past three years. This includes prints accompanied by provenance documentation. A few simple checks over the telephone or via e-mail would probably identify whether any print you have purchased may be a fake and, if necessary, arrangements can be made to have it checked at POW with no examination cost being incurred by the owner.

DC Lawson can be contacted via telephone number +44 (0)20 7230 2150 or via e-mail Ian.Lawson@met.police.uk

So as to not compromise the cases against the three people charged, please avoid discussing on this forum the specific details of direct or indirect purchases made from them.

-------------------

For the avoidance of doubt, all communications regarding the above investigation should be addressed to DC Lawson, and not made via POW or Pest Control.