Scientific analysis by a little-known federal agency helped investigators uncover evidence tied to what police have described as the largest art fraud case in Canadian history.

The Canadian Conservation Institute became involved after Ontario Provincial Police asked it to examine suspected forged paintings attributed to Indigenous artist Norval Morrisseau. Using infrared imaging, analysts discovered letters and arrows beneath the paint that appeared to function as colour-coded painting instructions — markings that were not present in confirmed Morrisseau works.

Researchers also removed microscopic paint samples and found a mixture containing polyvinyl acetate, styrene and acrylic. Confirmed Morrisseau paintings examined by the institute contained acrylic paint without the same mixture, providing investigators with another significant indication that the works were not authentic.

Between 2021 and 2023, the institute examined another 26 paintings and spent approximately 1,400 hours on the project. Within two days of receiving the institute’s final report, police assembled 98 officers and charged eight people across three suspected fraud rings with 40 offences, including forgery, fraud over $5,000 and uttering forged documents.

Police alleged the networks produced at least 1,000 fake Morrisseau works, while thousands more suspected forgeries may remain in circulation. Several accused later pleaded guilty, while another was convicted by a jury of fraud and dealing forged documents.

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Originally published on Canadian Fraud News.