Italian Culture Minister Accused of Possessing Stolen Painting

Vittorio Sgarbi, a junior minister and art critic in Italy, resigned following allegations of laundering stolen goods, including a 17th century painting, 'The Capture of Saint Peter' by Rutilio Manetti. He claimed to have found the original painting in a villa and denied the allegations, stating that the stolen painting was a copy. The accusations came to light during an Italian TV program called 'Report.' The investigation also involved another painting attributed to French artist Valentin de Boulogne. Sgarbi was under pressure for weeks to resign, and the antitrust watchdog was investigating him for possible conflict of interest.