UK Judge Dismisses Sanctions Case Against Hauser & Wirth Over George Condo Sale

A London court has thrown out criminal charges against the blue-chip gallery Hauser & Wirth over the sale of a George Condo artwork to a buyer with alleged Russian ties. The case, which centered on a 2021 pastel on paper by the American artist, was dismissed entirely at Southwark Crown Court.

Judge Tony Baumgardner ruled that prosecutors had failed to provide sufficient evidence that the recipient, Alexander Popov, was a Russian resident at the time of the transaction, according to artlyst. The gallery had been accused of violating U.K. sanctions related to Russia.

Artnet News reported that the case revolved around Condo's work "Escape from Humanity" and that the court's decision clears Hauser & Wirth of any wrongdoing. The gallery had maintained its innocence throughout the proceedings.

Artnet NewsHauser & Wirth Cleared of Russia Sanctions Charge

The dismissal marks a significant legal victory for one of the world's most prominent art dealerships, which operates multiple locations globally. Both artlyst and Artnet News noted that the prosecution's case hinged on proving Popov's residency status, a link the judge found unsupported by the evidence presented.