Thu Sep 12 01:10:00 UTC 2024: ## Stolen Churchill Portrait Found in Italy, Set to Return to Canadian Hotel
**OTTAWA, CANADA** – A stolen portrait of Sir Winston Churchill, once proudly displayed at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier in Ottawa, has been located in Italy and is set to return to Canada. The iconic photograph, taken by renowned photographer Yousuf Karsh in 1941, had been replaced with a copy in 2022.
The theft was discovered by a hotel worker who noticed a discrepancy in the frame. The hotel confirmed the portrait was a fake, sparking a police investigation that spanned over two years. Ottawa Police, utilizing public tips, forensic analysis, and international cooperation, tracked down the thief, a 43-year-old Ottawa resident, who was arrested in April 2024 and charged with theft and trafficking.
The stolen portrait, known as “The Roaring Lion,” was traced to a buyer in Genoa, Italy, who purchased it through an auction house in London. The buyer, unaware of the theft, has been working with Italian authorities to return the portrait.
A ceremony is scheduled to take place in Rome later this month, where the buyer will hand over the portrait to the Ottawa Police Service. Once in their custody, the portrait will be returned to the Fairmont Chateau Laurier, where it will once again hold its place as a notable historical artifact.
The Fairmont Chateau Laurier, known for its collection of Karsh photographs, expressed deep sadness at the brazen theft. The hotel is home to a long history of both Karsh and Churchill, with both having stayed at the hotel. Karsh and his wife even lived at the hotel for two decades and operated his studio there from 1972 to 1992.
The story of the recovered portrait highlights the dedication of law enforcement agencies and the importance of international cooperation in tracking down stolen art. The return of “The Roaring Lion” will be a celebration of justice and the resilience of cultural heritage.
First Piper 