MISSING CHURCHILL PHOTO: Stolen in Canada, recovered in Italy

AN ICONIC photograph of Winston Churchill that was stolen two years ago from a hotel in Ottawa, Canada was recovered in Italy.

Ottawa police, quoted in a report by BBC, said the famous portrait was found in the possession of a private buyer in Genoa, Italy.

The buyer was unaware that what he had in possession was a stolen masterpiece.

Police said the portrait was stolen sometime between Dec. 25, 2021 and January 6, 2022.

The private collector was able to acquire it through an auction house in London.

Known as “The Roaring Lion”, the photo was taken by Yousuf Karsh in 1941 shortly after the former British statesman gave a wartime speech to Canada’s parliament.

The culprit, a 43-year-old man from Powassan, Ontario, was arrested last April 25.

He is facing several charges in Canada including forgery, theft, trafficking, and damage to property.

A ceremony will be held later this month where the unidentified buyer will formally return it in the presence of Canadian investigators.

Police revealed it will be returned back to its home at Fairmont Château Laurier, where it will once again be displayed as a notable historic portrait.(CMM)

• Tags
• #Winston Churchill
• #Ottawa Canada
• #The Roaring Lion
• #Yousuf Karsh
• #Genoa Italy
• #Stolen Photograph