Fraud case on Lake Constance: Fake art dealer deducts 900,000 euros!

Fraud case on Lake Constance: Fake art dealer deducts 900,000 euros!

There are always colorful stories in the art world, but this one stays with the artists for a long time. A scandal surrounding a 52-year-old woman from the Lake Constance district is currently causing excitement and astonishment. She is accused of posing as an art dealer and defrauding over 100 artists of almost 900,000 euros. Die Presse reports that the police and the public prosecutor's office are now investigating almost 140 cases of particularly serious fraud against the woman.

The accused contacted artists via various social networks in order to conclude contracts with them. She often emphasized a kind of “contractual partner” image that was intended to inspire trust among the artists. They each had to pay around 2,000 euros in advance – supposedly for contract fees. They also made works of art available for planned exhibitions. But the expectations remained unfulfilled; the woman did not fulfill the terms of the contract and never intended to do so.

Police investigations and discoveries

During various searches in Friedrichshafen, Kressbronn and Lindau, investigators found more than 200 paintings and other works of art. This suggests that the alleged art dealer's dealings were anything but transparent. The fact that she is already serving a prison sentence for other fraud offenses makes the whole matter even more scandalous. Artists who placed their trust in her were bitterly disappointed.

But she is not the only one facing the investigating authorities. Her 57-year-old husband is also being targeted on suspicion of money laundering. He is said to have tried to conceal the flow of money from the businesses. This flirtation in the background casts a dull light on the entire family combination, which apparently caused a lot of mischief here.

The artists' reactions

The artists affected by the fraud are outraged and feel cheated. “It is shocking that someone would act so perfidiously and rely on the trust of the creators,” said one of the victims. These incidents reflect poorly on the art community, which often relies on the hard work and talent of its members. Trust is a valuable currency in this world and it has been severely abused here.

This story reminds us to take a critical look at everything, in art as in life - trust is important, but caution is also necessary. The results of the investigation will be followed with excitement because it will take some time to come to terms with this scandal. Let's hope justice prevails and such fraudsters are brought to book.