A statement regarding the paintings found in the warehouses of Georgios Tsagkarakis in Glyfada and Elliniko was issued by the company of the well-known gallery owner, claiming they constitute “personal property” and “come from an inheritance from his deceased parents”. Regarding the controversial 1700s Gospel that “burned” the businessman and allegedly led to his arrest, his company states that it was handed over to the “competent authorities to assess its authenticity, dating, and the possibility of purchase by the Greek state”.
Full statement from Georgios Tsagkarakis’ company
“The company GALLERY TSAGKARAKIS LTD does not trade the specific paintings found in the company’s warehouses, as they constitute personal property and a personal collection of Mr. Tsagkarakis and come from an inheritance from his deceased parents. The possession of these specific artworks, as well as most of the art pieces, dates back over forty years, as personal and collectible items of Mr. Tsagkarakis’ family. Regarding the Gospel that was posted on the internet, the company has already taken appropriate action to hand it over to the competent authorities so they can assess its authenticity, dating, and the possibility of purchase by the Greek state, as the company does not have an expert knowledgeable in religious and other similar objects.”
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Greek “FBI” raids galleries in Glyfada and Elliniko
Earlier today, Friday (20/03), the Greek “FBI” conducted raids on premises belonging to the well-known gallery owner Georgios Tsagkarakis, who was arrested as part of an operation by the Directorate for Combating Organized Crime (DAOE), specifically the Cultural Heritage and Antiquities Protection Department. Specifically, authorities raided his warehouse in Elliniko, where police discovered numerous fake artworks, as well as a considerable amount of cash, according to reports.
According to police sources, they also found the controversial Gospel dating to around 1700, whose value is priceless and which allegedly led to the gallery owner’s arrest.
Authorities also targeted the gallery on Dimitriou Gounari Street in Glyfada, where police loaded dozens of paintings of various sizes and types onto trucks – including one in Mitarakis style.
Raid in Elliniko:
Raid on gallery in Glyfada:
