Belgium police recover valuable Picasso painting stolen from Tel Aviv

The paintings, Picasso's "Tête" and Chagall's "L’homme en prière," were stolen from an art collector in Tel Aviv, Israel, in 2010 and are worth $900.000.

 The painting 'Tete' by Pablo Picasso stolen fourteen years ago from Israel and found in Belgium is seen in this undated handout image. (photo credit:  Parquet of Namur/Handout via REUTERS)
The painting 'Tete' by Pablo Picasso stolen fourteen years ago from Israel and found in Belgium is seen in this undated handout image.
(photo credit: Parquet of Namur/Handout via REUTERS)

Belgian police have found stolen Picasso and Chagall paintings in a basement in the city of Antwerp, local authorities said on Tuesday, adding that the artworks are still in good condition.

The paintings, Picasso's "Tête" and Chagall's "L’homme en prière," were stolen from an art collector in Tel Aviv, Israel, in 2010 and are worth $900.000.

At the time of the theft, $680.000 worth of jewelry was stolen as well but only the paintings have been found.

How were the paintings recovered?

Local police had started an investigation when a source informed them that a Belgian national was offering both artworks for sale.

 Two stolen paintings by Picasso and Chagall that were found in the Belgian city of Antwerp are seen in this undated handout image. (credit:  Parquet of Namur/Handout via REUTERS)
Two stolen paintings by Picasso and Chagall that were found in the Belgian city of Antwerp are seen in this undated handout image. (credit: Parquet of Namur/Handout via REUTERS)

The local prosecutor said the main suspect has been arrested.