A West Hollywood antiques dealer is in hot water for allegedly selling a fake Pablo Picasso drawing for $2 million.
Tatiana Khan, 69, allegedly commissioned a Sherman Oaks artist to fabricate Picasso's "La Femme Au Chapeau Bleu" ("The Woman in the Blue Hat) for $1,000. Khan then sold the pastel for $2 million, telling the buyer that she was able to sell it for less than market value because it came from the Malcolm Forbes family estate, according to the United States Attorney's Office.
The FBI investigation began last year after the purchaser contacted a Picasso expert, who believed the drawing was fake, say prosecutors.
Khan was charged Thursday with wire fraud, making false statements to the FBI and witness tampering. She faces up to 45 years in prison if convicted.
The FBI also seized a painting by abstract expressionist artist Willem de Kooning, which Khan allegedly purchased with $720,000 of the proceeds derived from the alleged Picasso deal.
