Banksy Artworks Worth Over $250,000 Get Seized By Police For Suspected Crime
One sculpture, a screen-printed poster, and an image of a white tower by Banksy were seized by Welsh police as part of a criminal investigation. According to The Evening Standard, which first broke the news, the three artworks are worth an estimated £220,000 (US$262,330) in total.
The publication noted that the art pieces could legally be taken over by police under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, which allows for the seizure of “listed assets” including precious stones, metals, luxury watches, and in this case, works of art.
Grappling Hook, the first item taken, is a sculpture depicting a Jesus figure on a wooden cross that doubles as a “military-grade grappling hook.” It was created by the elusive artist in 2017 for a political exhibition and auctioned off by Sotheby’s for £93,750 ($130,264).
Banksy “Grappling Hook” @ Bonham’s London March 6th#streetart https://t.co/jWSS0U4RK6 pic.twitter.com/eLr0HjGn8y
— StreetArtNews (@streetartnews) March 5, 2019
A colored poster made all the way back in 2003, titled Monkey Queen, is the second piece resting in police hands. ARTnews noted that at least seven editions of the artwork have gone under the hammer, each costing between £13,750 and £47,880 (US$19,215 to US$64,674).
Last but not least, the police got their hands on White Tower, a lesser-known image created by Banksy that is valued at £1,750 (US$2,085). These three pieces, which were first taken in March 2021, are said to be linked to crimes by an unnamed 35-year-old man.
At the moment, Gwent police are refusing to comment on any details regarding the seizure of the artwork and did not reveal where the pieces are currently being held, or what will happen to them going forward.
Banksy
— 🦇🌻Zola😷Clyde🌻🦇 (@ZolaClyde1) November 30, 2020
Walled Off Hotel Box Set, 2017 pic.twitter.com/EIawIwdDIQ
[via ARTnews and The Evening Standard, cover image via Giuseppe Anello | Dreamstime.com]
