Belarusian KGB nabs sellers of paintings from 'Yanukovych's Residence'

The Belarusian State Security Committee (KGB) has detained several suspects who attempted to sell paintings they say are by famous artists and were taken from the residence of former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych.

In a statement on September 29, the KGB said the suspects tried to sell art works they claim were painted by Claude Monet, Vincent Van Gogh, Edvard Munch, Konstantin Yuon, and Wassily Kandinsky.

The suspects, who are Belarusian citizens, reportedly wanted 2 million euros ($2.5 million) for the five paintings.

Experts are studying the paintings to see if they are originals by the famous artists.

Belarusian investigators have already found what appear to be more than 100 antique religious icons and paintings at the suspects' homes in Belarus.

The suspects were reportedly arrested last week.

Yanukovych fled Ukraine in February after prolonged protests and is living in Russia.