The alleged mastermind behind the removal of a Banksy mural in a Ukrainian city could face up to 12 years in prison if convicted, the Ukrainian Interior Ministry said on Monday.
The artwork, depicting a woman in a gas mask and gown holding a fire extinguisher, was torn from a wall in the town of Hostomel on December 2, according to authorities.
The ministry announced on its website that the man it believes orchestrated the operation had received a “suspicious notice”.
The work of the famous British artist was valued at more than 9 million hryvnia ($243,900), according to the ministry statement.
“The criminals tried to transport this graffiti with the help of wooden boards and polyethylene,” he said.
“Thanks to the concern of the citizens, the police and other security forces managed to arrest the criminals,” he added. The mural was recovered.
Banksy confirmed that he had painted the mural and six others at locations that saw heavy fighting after Russia invaded Ukraine in late February.
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