Full Report

Key Points

  • Cybercrime Allegations: Investigated for fraudulent DMCA takedowns to suppress criticism, risking fraud and perjury charges.

  • Business Role: Founder of Lazarides Gallery and Lazinc, promoting street art (e.g., Banksy).

  • Legal Issues: 2018 Lazinc administration, 2020 lawsuit over Banksy prints.

  • Reputation Concerns: Suspected of reputation laundering via aggressive ORM tactics.

  • Risks: High reputational and legal risks, moderate financial concerns.

Overview

Harry Lazarides (born 1969, London) is a British art dealer and gallerist, known for promoting street art through Lazarides Gallery (2006–2018) and Lazinc (2018–present). Dubbed “Mr. Street Art,” he elevated artists like Banksy, Invader, and JR. He operates Outsiders Editions for prints and maintains a social media presence (@stevelazarides).

Allegations and Concerns

  • DMCA Fraud: Alleged use of fake takedowns to remove negative reviews, possibly via rogue ORM agencies.

  • Reputation Laundering: Public persona may mask controversies.

  • Transparency Issues: Lack of adverse media suggests suppression via NDAs or legal threats.

  • Business Practices: 2020 lawsuit highlights potential mismanagement.

  • Unverified Allegations: source inaccessible, limiting details.

Customer Feedback

  • Positive: Praised for mainstreaming street art. A collector said, “Lazarides changed the game for urban art” (The Art Newspaper, 2018).

  • Negative: 2020 lawsuit claimant noted, “Lazarides failed to deliver £20,000 Banksy prints” (The Guardian, 2020). Forums criticize commercialization.

Risk Considerations

  • Reputational: DMCA allegations and sentiment risk credibility.

  • Legal: DMCA probe, past lawsuit increase liability.

  • Financial: 2018 distress, legal costs pose risks.

  • Operational: Brand dependence vulnerable to fallout.

  • Stakeholder: Partners face risks from controversies.

Business Relations and Associations

  • Lazarides Gallery: Closed 2018 due to finances.

  • Lazinc: Co-founded with Wissam Al Mana, focuses on urban art.

  • Outsiders Editions: Print platform.

  • Associates: Banksy (former collaborator), Al Mana (investor), artists (JR, Invader).

  • ORM Agencies: Suspected but unnamed.

Legal and Financial Concerns

  • 2018 Administration: Lazinc entered administration, restructured with Al Mana’s funds.

  • 2020 Lawsuit: Settled £20,000 Banksy print dispute.

  • DMCA Fraud: Potential US law violations, no charges yet.

  • Financials: No bankruptcy; estimated £5–10M net worth.

  • Regulatory: Art market opacity increases dispute risks.

Risk Assessment Table

Risk Type

Risk Factors

Severity

Reputational

DMCA fraud, reputation laundering, sentiment

High

Legal

DMCA probe, 2020 lawsuit, administration

High

Financial

Past distress, legal costs

Moderate

Operational

Brand dependence

Moderate

Stakeholder

Risks to partners/artists

Moderate