In a week‑long raid, Mokotów police reclaimed 12 valuable works—including pieces by Kossak and Karpiński—stolen from a Warsaw monastery and held by a suspect for years.
12 Priceless Works Recovered
Police found 12 paintings during a search of a 46‑year‑old man’s apartment; among them were works by renowned artists Kossak and Karpiński. The current holder had never intended to return them to their rightful owners.
Origins of the Case
In 2021, officers arrested a 42‑year‑old man suspected of stealing art from a Warsaw convent. He was detained on suspicion of theft of monastery artworks.
Extended Investigation Reveals More Art
Later inquiries showed the suspect had amassed additional valuable paintings over the years. A July raid, supervised by the Mokotów District Prosecutor’s Office, secured another 12 works.
Estimated Value and Ongoing Inquiry
Preliminary estimates place the recovered art’s worth at several hundred thousand zloty. Officials warn that further illicitly taken artworks may emerge during the ongoing proceedings.
Return to Legitimate Owners
The paintings will soon be returned to rightful owners, demonstrating that law‑enforcement can recover stolen works even after many years.
Police Earn Praise From Prosecutor
The investigation team received written thanks from the Mokotów District Prosecutor’s Office, commending the police’s swift and thorough work and highlighting the exemplary performance of Sergeant‑Assistant Anna Maciejewska.
