Man connected to theft of famous “Roaring Lion” photo is detained by Ottawa police
According to a media source on Wednesday, an authentic copy of the well-known picture of the late British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, dubbed “The Roaring Lion,” has been found in Italy. It had been stolen and replaced with a replica.
Famous photographer Yousuf Karsh captured this 1941 image of Churchill speaking to the Canadian parliament during World War II from the Chateau Laurier Hotel in Ottawa, Canada.
According to BBC, police suspect the theft happened during COVID-19 lockdowns on December 25, 2021, and January 6, 2022.
In August 2022, hotel personnel found the fake. Ottawa police verified on Wednesday that the original portrait was discovered in Genoa, Italy, and was owned by a private individual who was not aware it had been reported stolen.
In relation to the theft, a 43-year-old male from Powassan, Ontario, has been placed under arrest.
He is accused of forgery, theft, property damage, and trafficking, among other offenses.
