Argentina investigates Nazi's daughter and husband over stolen painting

Argentinian authorities have been investigating the daughter of a former Nazi official and her husband since Thursday after an iconic painting that had been missing for around 80 years was found. The painting in question is Giuseppe Ghislandi's “Portrait of Contessa Colleoni,” which was stolen by Jacques Goudstikker during World War II.

The trail of the painting led to the suspects' villa in Mar del Plata – discovered in an online real estate ad that brought it brutally into focus. According to authorities, both attempted to obstruct the investigation by deleting the ad and replacing the painting with a tapestry before a raid.

An Argentine judge lifted the house arrest, but imposed a 180-day travel restriction, required the surrender of passports, and prohibited long absences without permission. The defense attorney denies the allegations and has been cooperative; the painting is to be handed over to the Holocaust Museum for safekeeping.

During searches, further works of art were seized that could also be Nazi looted property – further charges against the couple are possible.

(reuters, est)