The Drouot logo is seen outside of Drouot auction house in Paris, Monday, March 14, 2016. Four Paris auctioneers and dozens of auction workers are going on trial accused of a vast and long-lasting scheme to steal thousands of pieces of artwork and other valuable items. The works were meant for sale at an esteemed 19th-century auction house, and include a Courbet painting, Chagall and Matisse lithographs, and a 2.08-carat diamond. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)
The Associated Press
PARIS (AP) - Four Paris auctioneers and dozens of auction workers have gone on trial accused of a vast scheme to steal thousands of pieces of artwork and other valuable items worth millions of euros over several years.
The works included a Courbet painting, Chagall and Matisse lithographs, and a 2.08-carat diamond. Workers tasked with transporting the objects allegedly stole them and then later sold some of them with the complicity of auctioneers.
Nearly all of the 50 defendants involved in the case at the Hotel Drouot, the biggest, oldest and most famous auction house in France, appeared in a Paris court Monday charged with gang-related theft, conspiracy to commit a crime or handling stolen goods.
They face up to seven years in prison and 175,000 euros ($195,000) in fines each if convicted.
Visitors stroll in a room of the Drouot auction house in Paris, Monday, March 14, 2016. Four Paris auctioneers and dozens of auction workers are going on trial accused of a vast and long-lasting scheme to steal thousands of pieces of artwork and other valuable items. The works were meant for sale at an esteemed 19th-century auction house, and include a Courbet painting, Chagall and Matisse lithographs, and a 2.08-carat diamond. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)
The Associated Press
Visitors read at a welcome desk of the Drouot auction house in Paris, Monday, March 14, 2016. Four Paris auctioneers and dozens of auction workers are going on trial accused of a vast and long-lasting scheme to steal thousands of pieces of artwork and other valuable items. The works were meant for sale at an esteemed 19th-century auction house, and include a Courbet painting, Chagall and Matisse lithographs, and a 2.08-carat diamond. Inscription reads: Drouot, art amateurs gather there. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)
The Associated Press
A motorcycle is exhibited in the lobby of the Drouot auction house in Paris, Monday, March 14, 2016. Four Paris auctioneers and dozens of auction workers are going on trial accused of a vast and long-lasting scheme to steal thousands of pieces of artwork and other valuable items. The works were meant for sale at an esteemed 19th-century auction house, and include a Courbet painting, Chagall and Matisse lithographs, and a 2.08-carat diamond. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)
The Associated Press
A man uses the stair of the Drouot auction house in Paris, Monday, March 14, 2016. Four Paris auctioneers and dozens of auction workers are going on trial accused of a vast and long-lasting scheme to steal thousands of pieces of artwork and other valuable items. The works were meant for sale at an esteemed 19th-century auction house, and include a Courbet painting, Chagall and Matisse lithographs, and a 2.08-carat diamond. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)
The Associated Press
An employee unloads a furniture outside of Drouot auction house in Paris, Monday, March 14, 2016. Four Paris auctioneers and dozens of auction workers are going on trial accused of a vast and long-lasting scheme to steal thousands of pieces of artwork and other valuable items. The works were meant for sale at an esteemed 19th-century auction house, and include a Courbet painting, Chagall and Matisse lithographs, and a 2.08-carat diamond. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)
The Associated Press
People gather in front of the main entrance of Drouot auction house in Paris, Monday, March 14, 2016. Four Paris auctioneers and dozens of auction workers are going on trial accused of a vast and long-lasting scheme to steal thousands of pieces of artwork and other valuable items. The works were meant for sale at an esteemed 19th-century auction house, and include a Courbet painting, Chagall and Matisse lithographs, and a 2.08-carat diamond. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)
The Associated Press