A drug trafficking investigation in Val-de-Marne has taken an unexpected turn with the discovery of an authenticated work by Pablo Picasso. The painting, valued at between 12 and 15 million euros according to Le Parisien, was found during a search of a house in Champigny-sur-Marne. This discovery has led to the opening of a separate investigation for theft and receiving stolen goods.
An unexpected discovery in the middle of a criminal investigation
The operation was carried out on June 15 by investigators from the Val-de-Marne judicial police as part of a drug trafficking investigation. According to information confirmed to AFP by the Créteil prosecutor's office, the police seized a painting attributed to Pablo Picasso, which has since been authenticated, but its title has not been made public.
According to Le Parisien, the painting depicts Marie-Thérèse Walter, an emblematic figure in the life and work of the Spanish painter, and belongs to a collector based in Singapore. The painting was reportedly discovered at the home of the aunt of a 37-year-old man involved in the case. During questioning, this employee of a Parisian company specializing in art storage reportedly admitted to stealing the painting. According to information reported by Le Parisien, he explained that he wanted to demonstrate the security flaws in his company.
Drug trafficking and works of art in the same case
The search also resulted in the seizure of 17 kilos of cannabis, several thousand euros in cash, and luxury clothing valued at approximately €200,000, according to Le Parisien. Four people were subsequently brought before a judge for immediate trial in connection with the drug trafficking case.
The trial in this case has finally been postponed until August. Three defendants have been remanded in custody, while a fourth has been released under judicial supervision. Quoted by AFP, the lawyer for one of the accused contested the prosecution's portrayal, asserting that her client did not fit the profile presented and pointing out that he had been working continuously for several years.
Meanwhile, the investigation opened to determine the circumstances of the theft and the conditions of preservation of the painting has been entrusted to the judicial police of Val-de-Marne.
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