An iconic Winston Churchill photograph, once stolen and replaced with a fake in Ottawa, has been found

The renowned "Roaring Lion" portrait of Winston Churchill will soon be back on display at the Fairmont Château Laurier after being stolen over two years ago.

Ottawa Police announced on Wednesday that later this month, two investigators will travel to Rome, Italy, to retrieve the valuable photograph.

Captured by esteemed Canadian photographer Yousuf Karsh, the portrait was stolen from the hotel's lobby sometime between December 25, 2021, and January 6, 2022. The theft was reported only in August 2022.

The original portrait, one of the most widely reproduced images of the 20th century, had been replaced with a fake copy.

"We are thrilled about the iconic Roaring Lion portrait returning to its rightful place at the Fairmont Château Laurier,” said Genevieve Dumas, general manager of the hotel, in an email to CTV News.

“This portrait, captured by renowned Canadian photographer Yousuf Karsh, is not only an irreplaceable work of art but also a significant piece of our hotel's history."

A 43-year-old man from Powassan, Ontario, has been charged in connection with the theft and trafficking of the portrait, though his identity is protected by a publication ban. He was arrested on April 25, 2024.

The charges against him include forgery, theft over $5,000, and trafficking in stolen property exceeding $5,000.

According to a press release from Ottawa Police, the painting was traced with assistance from international law enforcement agencies. The investigation revealed that the portrait was sold through an auction house in London to a buyer in Italy. Both the auction house and the buyer were unaware that the painting was stolen.

Dumas expressed gratitude to the Ottawa Police, noting that the hotel staff "eagerly await the portrait’s arrival in the coming weeks."