Dreamed of owning a Van Gogh? One buyer lost €82,500 to a con that has now cost the fraudster four years in prison

In 2021, a Spanish man fell victim to a con artist who promised to sell him a Van Gogh painting for €750,000. The fraudster, posing as a wealthy intermediary with political connections, convinced the victim that the painting was owned by a Marchioness in urgent need of funds. However, the Marchioness was a fictitious entity. The buyer was asked to pay an 11% advance on the estimated price, totaling €82,500 in installments between September and December.

After paying a total sum, the buyer discovered that the painting, the seller's identity, and the contract details were all fabricated. The fraudster also altered an expert report to make the painting appear genuine. The fraudster had prior convictions for document forgery and faced a four-year prison sentence. The Superior Court of Justice upheld the sentence, and the convicted man must repay the €82,500.

Buyers are advised to independently verify ownership, identity, and expert opinions when purchasing art or investments through intermediaries in Spain.