Pierre Le Guennec, 71, claimed Picasso gave him the vast treasure trove of paintings and sketches when he was working as an electrician at the artist's house in southern France, the Daily Express reported.
Le Guennec stashed them in his garage for nearly 40 years. He and his wife Danielle reportedly took a suitcase full with paintings to Picasso's heirs in Paris in October last year to have them authenticated.
Just after art experts proved the works were genuine, police swooped on the couple at their home in Mouans-Sartoux and arrested them on suspicion of receiving stolen goods.
They were released without charge but an investigation has been launched. They are set to face trial later this month.
(Published 14 June 2011, 11:59 IST)
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