French police seize stolen Picasso portrait worth up to €15 million in Val‑de‑Marne drug raid

During a routine drug investigation in the Paris suburb of Champigny‑sur‑Marne, French police uncovered a stolen Pablo Picasso painting. The portrait, a 1937 depiction of Marie‑Thérèse Walter, has been authenticated and is valued between €12 million and €15 million.

The artwork was found in a house belonging to the aunt of a 37‑year‑old suspect who worked as a guard at an art‑storage firm. He admitted taking the painting to demonstrate alleged security flaws at his employer. Police also seized about 17 kg of cannabis, luxury clothing worth roughly €200 000, and several thousand euros in cash.

Four people were placed in immediate custody on drug‑trafficking charges, and the theft case has been transferred to the Val‑de‑Marne judicial police for investigation of theft and concealment. The trial for the suspects is scheduled for August.