The investigation into drug trafficking in France unexpectedly led to the discovery of an authentic painting by Pablo Picasso. The canvas valued at between 12 and 15 million euros was found during a search in the suburbs of Paris, and the investigation has taken a new direction — a case of art theft.
In the French city of Champigny-sur-Marne, an investigation related to illegal drug trafficking took an unexpected turn. During a police raid, law enforcement discovered a painting by the famous Spanish artist Pablo Picasso, writes Entrevue.
The operation was conducted on June 15 by the judicial police of the Val-de-Marne department. According to the Creteil prosecutor's office, experts confirmed the authenticity of the artwork, but its official title has not yet been disclosed.
According to Le Parisien, the canvas depicts Marie-Thérèse Walter — Picasso's muse and lover, who frequently appeared in his works. The painting, reportedly belonging to a collector from Singapore, is valued at between 12 and 15 million euros.
The investigation established that the artwork was found in the house of the aunt of a 37-year-old man involved in the investigation. During questioning, he confessed to stealing the painting. According to French media, the man worked at a Parisian company that specializes in the storage of artworks and claimed that he wanted to demonstrate the flaws in his employer's security system.
During the same search, police seized about 17 kilograms of cannabis, several thousand euros in cash, as well as luxury items valued at approximately 200,000 euros.
Four people have appeared in court in connection with the drug trafficking case. The hearing has been postponed until August. Three defendants remain in custody, while one has been released under judicial supervision.
Meanwhile, law enforcement continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of the painting and is trying to determine how the expensive artwork became linked to the individuals involved in the criminal case.
What began as a drug trafficking investigation unexpectedly led to the discovery of one of the most expensive artworks in recent years. Now, French investigators must not only unravel the activities of the alleged criminal group but also establish all the circumstances surrounding the theft of the Picasso painting worth up to 15 million euros.
