10.61°C Vancouver
Ads

Apr 28, 2022 11:24 PM - Connect News

Millions of dollars of artwork seized from local art dealer in Saanich

Share On
millions-of-dollars-of-artwork-seized-from-local-art-dealer-in-saanich
An art owner contacted the Saanich Police to report that in March of this year they had entrusted a local art dealer with four pieces of fine art for consignment and potential sale at an art gallery in Oak Bay. (Photo - Saanich police/Twitter)

On April 11, 2022, an art owner contacted the Saanich Police to report that in March of this year they had entrusted a local art dealer with four pieces of fine art for consignment and potential sale at an art gallery in Oak Bay. The pieces were three original Emily Carr paintings and one David Blackwood watercolour, both of whom are renowned Canadian artists. The owner became suspicious when the gallery recently closed and attempts to contact the art dealer had gone unanswered.

The police investigation uncovered that there were several other victims that had consigned art to this dealer and that the dealer had ceased all communications with them as well.

Over the next several days, detectives with the Major Crime Unit were able to execute three search warrants at storage sites in Saanich, Oak Bay and Langford. The initial search located six-hundred pieces of art, the next over one-hundred pieces, and the final search over three-hundred pieces. The total number of pieces of art seized is just over one thousand, with an estimated value to be in the tens of millions of dollars. The art was seized by police, safely transported and is being stored at a secure location.

The art dealer, whose identity cannot be released until charges are sworn in court, was arrested on April 21, 2022, and was later released on several conditions with a future court date. Investigators are currently preparing a report to Crown Counsel recommending criminal charges for multiple counts of fraud and false pretense.

"The dealer was taking art from people with the intention of consigning or appraising the art, later ceasing all contact, all the while selling the art without reimbursing the owners or artists."

As the investigation continues, detectives are in constant communication with the artists, their families or representatives, and the owners of the art in an effort to return all of the artwork to the rightful owners.

"We believe there are individuals who have attempted to reclaim their artwork, associated to the Oak Bay gallery but have not been successful in doing so. We are asking for these people to reach the Saanich Police by email at art@saanichpolice.ca."

Latest news

long-wait-times-at-polling-stations-in-vancouver-during-federal-election
CanadaApr 18, 2025

Long Wait Times at Polling Stations in Vancouver During Federal Election

People had to stand in long lines for hours at some polling stations to vote in today’s federal election in Vancouver. Early voting stations opened at 9 a.m., and about half an hour later, a line formed outside the Roundhouse Community Centre in Yaletown, downtown Vancouver, where voters had to wait for an estimated two hours. Staff reported that when the doors of the community centre opened at 9 a.m., there was already a line of about 100 people. As a result, some people were turned away. During this time, staff could be heard apologizing. They explained that there were only four ballot ta
mark-carney-sets-liberal-agenda-amid-criticism-targets-trump-in-campaign-speech
CanadaApr 18, 2025

Mark Carney Sets Liberal Agenda Amid Criticism, Targets Trump in Campaign Speech

The Liberal Party of Canada, aiming to reclaim power, is set to release its official platform tomorrow, Saturday. This announcement was confirmed by Mark Carney during a campaign event in Niagara Falls. In his speech, Carney criticized U.S. President Donald Trump, stating that while America remains divided, Canada’s unity makes it stronger. During a press interaction, Carney distinguished himself from former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Responding to comparisons, he remarked, “I am not Justin Trudeau,” emphasizing that his leadership style and decisions are distinct. Highlighting his
ndp-faces-challenges-ahead-of-voting-day-in-canada
CanadaApr 18, 2025

NDP Faces Challenges Ahead of Voting Day in Canada

As voting day approaches in Canada, the New Democratic Party (NDP) is grappling with fluctuations in election polls. According to a three-day tracking survey conducted by Nano Research up to April 17, support for the NDP under Jagmeet Singh has dropped by 0.5 percentage points, reaching 8 percent. The competition between the Liberals and Conservatives remains intense. While campaigning in Yamachiche, Quebec, Jagmeet Singh criticized both parties. Speaking to reporters, he emphasized that the NDP is the only party prioritizing real growth in revenue and investment in Canadians, in contrast to
dgp-gaurav-yadav-confirms-arrest-of-happy-passia-in-america
WorldApr 18, 2025

DGP Gaurav Yadav Confirms Arrest of Happy Passia in America

Punjab Police DGP Gaurav Yadav has confirmed the arrest of Harpreet Singh, alias Happy Passia, a most-wanted individual in the state, in the United States. He announced that preparations are underway to bring him back to India to face justice. The U.S. investigative agency FBI has also verified the arrest, stating that Harpreet Singh was apprehended in Sacramento. According to the FBI, Happy Passia is linked to two international terrorist organizations and had entered the U.S. illegally. He is reportedly responsible for terrorist activities in Punjab, India.
advance-voting-begins-in-canada-ahead-of-april-28-election
CanadaApr 18, 2025

Advance Voting Begins in Canada Ahead of April 28 Election

Advance voting has officially begun in Canada, giving registered voters the opportunity to cast their ballots early at designated polling stations. Advance polls will remain open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. for four consecutive days, concluding on Monday. As of this month, nearly 130,000 Canadians have already voted using special ballots, according to figures released by Elections Canada. Special ballots allow voters who prefer not to wait until Election Day or advance polling days to cast their vote early. In other election-related news, the final English-language debate took place in Montreal las
ADS
Ads

Related News

ADS
Ads