Source: EL PAIS
Title: Suspected ringleader is a well-known Chinese art dealer in Madrid
Author: MÓNICA CEBERIO BELAZA / MANUEL ALTOZANO
“The business dealings of Gao Ping and his family go back to the beginning of the 20th century and, after three generations, they have gradually expanded throughout the world.” This is how Gao himself once described his success and wealth on the webpage of the Art and Culture Foundation, he set up in Madrid in 2007.
Now Gao is behind bars following his arrest in a sweep early Tuesday, charged with being the leader of massive money-laundering organized crime ring connected to the Chinese mafia.
Gao is a something of a celebrity among the Madrid’s Chinese community and in his own country. He has been involved, among other things, in the introduction of Chinese art to Spain and Spanish art to China.
The now 45-year-old Gao has spent nearly half of his life in Madrid. His gallery Gao Magee was opened next to the Reina Sofía Museum in 2010. In Beijing, he also has art galleries and a Spanish art distribution center called Iberia.