Russian soldier accused of forging Ernst Neizvestny artworks; Tretyakov Gallery searched

Russia's Investigative Committee has accused a Russian military officer, Maxim Koshkarev, of participating in the forgery of paintings and sculptures by renowned artist Ernst Neizvestny. As part of the investigation, authorities conducted a search at the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow.

Russia's Investigative Committee has brought charges against a Russian military officer identified as Maxim Koshkarev, accusing him of involvement in the forgery of works attributed to the celebrated Soviet-era artist Ernst Neizvestny. The case has drawn significant attention after investigators carried out a search at the Tretyakov Gallery, one of Russia's most prestigious art institutions located in Moscow.

Ernst Neizvestny, who died in 2016, was one of the most prominent Russian sculptors of the 20th century, known for his monumental works and his famous confrontation with Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev in 1962. His works command high prices on the international art market, making them attractive targets for forgers.

The involvement of an active military officer in an art forgery scheme is unusual and has raised questions about the scope of the alleged operation. Details on how the forgeries were produced or distributed, and what role the Tretyakov Gallery may have played in the chain of events, have not yet been fully disclosed by Russian authorities.