This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
The junior minister is now also facing accusations regarding another work: a painting attributed to the French artist Valentin de Boulogne, valued at €5m (£4.3m), which was seized by police in Montecarlo. Mr Sgarbi is being investigated by a prosecutor for illegally exporting the painting. He says it is a copy - and that it did not belong to him. The BBC has contacted Mr Sgarbi, but has received no response.