Bad Lawyer Joke

Bad lawyers never really retire. They just lose touch with their art:

"It is alleged that Mardirosian maintained possession of the stolen artwork in Massachusetts until 1988, when he moved the paintings to Monaco and later to a Swiss bank for safekeeping. It is alleged that Mardirosian intended to return the stolen paintings to their owner in exchange for a finder’s fee or 10% of their value. According to the affidavit, Mardirosian was able to keep his possession of the paintings secret by working through lawyers in London, Monaco and Switzerland, as well as a Panamanian shell company he created, Erie International Trading Co. (Erie).

"It is alleged that using the cover of the Panamanian shell company in 1999, Mardirosian attempted to sell the stolen paintings in London. However, an investigation by the Art Loss Register (ALR) determined that the artwork was stolen. ALR is a London-based company that maintains a comprehensive database of stolen artwork.

"The four paintings, “Portrait d’une Jeune Fille” and “Portrait d’un Jeune Homme” by Chaim Soutine, “Maison Rouge” by Maurice Utrillo, and “Flowers” by Maurice de Vlaminck remain in the custody of Sotheby’s Auction house. The remaining two stolen paintings, “Woman Seated” and “Boy” by Jean Jansen are believed to be in the possession of Henri Klein in Switzerland. The indictment seeks the forfeiture of all six pieces of stolen artwork."

Speaking of stolen art, has anyone seen the painting reproduced on the right? Here's another view.

If you've seen it, please let the LAPD know. Or email us and we'll do it for free.