A father and daughter from New Jersey have pleaded guilty to operating a multi-year art counterfeiting scheme that defrauded galleries and auction houses of at least $2 million.

Erwin Bankowski, 50, and his daughter Karolina Bankowska, 26, admitted in federal court to commissioning an artist in Poland to create forged works purportedly by renowned artists including Andy Warhol, Banksy, and Pablo Picasso. Federal prosecutors said the pair produced at least 200 fake paintings as part of their operation.

The scheme targeted some of New York's most prominent fine art auction houses and galleries, with the defendants successfully selling the counterfeit works over a period of several years. The fraudulent operation generated significant profits before being uncovered by authorities.

Both defendants apologized in court for their actions. The case highlights ongoing challenges in the art world regarding authentication and verification of valuable works, particularly as the market for contemporary and modern art continues to grow.

The guilty pleas conclude a federal investigation into the counterfeiting ring. Sentencing details and the specific charges to which the pair pleaded guilty were not immediately disclosed.