Morocco Strengthens Regulations to Safeguard its Art Market from Forgeries
In a bid to protect its multimillion-dollar art market, Morocco is formulating strategies to combat the menace of art forgeries. The country’s chief prosecutor is spearheading a series of discussions with the Ministry of Culture and the National Foundation of Museums to develop enhanced policing strategies and detection methods for counterfeit artworks.
Introduction of New Laws and Stricter Penalties
Key among the proposed measures is the introduction of new laws and the imposition of more severe penalties for art forgery crimes. This move is in response to the growing need to safeguard the integrity of Morocco’s art market, which is valued at approximately $2.5 million and is gaining increasing recognition across the Middle East. The proposed laws aim to deter potential forgers, thereby protecting the authenticity of Moroccan artworks.
Tightened Oversight Over Auction Houses
The focus on regulation also extends to auction houses, which will face more stringent oversight. The rationale behind this is to ensure that these platforms do not become conduits for the sale and purchase of counterfeit artworks. By enforcing stricter rules, the government aims to preserve the credibility of these auction platforms and by extension, the wider art market.
Aligning with Global Efforts
In taking these steps, Morocco is aligning with global efforts to combat art forgeries. This includes the United States, where the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) art crime team has been increasingly active in pursuing forgeries. Morocco’s efforts are not just about preserving the economic value of its art market, but also about maintaining the cultural heritage and artistic integrity of the nation.
