"A spokesperson for HM Revenue & Customs confirmed to The Art Newspaper that it had launched the investigation that led to the prosecution, believed to be the first under the law banning the supply of luxury goods to Russia."
"Our UK gallery has been charged with one instance of making an item of artwork available to a non-sanctioned person connected with Russia. We are fully committed to complying with all our legal obligations including sanctions. As the case is ongoing, we are unable to comment further."
"Hauser & Wirth "strongly contests" the charge and "intends to plead not guilty", a spokeswoman for the UK gallery says."
"Popov, who runs a prominent art foundation with his wife, is not under UK sanctions and is not accused of any wrongdoing."
Hauser & Wirth is being prosecuted in the UK for allegedly making George Condo's Escape from Humanity (2021) available to a person connected with Russia between 14 April and 31 December 2022. The alleged availability occurred after the UK banned exports of luxury goods worth more than £250 to Russia in response to the invasion of Ukraine. The collector named is Alexander Popov, who is not under UK sanctions and is not accused of wrongdoing. HM Revenue & Customs launched the investigation, believed to be the first prosecution under the luxury-goods ban. Hauser & Wirth contests the charge and intends to plead not guilty. The London-based shipping company Artay Rauchwerger Solomons is also accused.
Read at The Art Newspaper - International art news and events
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