Banksy: Street Artist's Trail Leads to Ukraine – Is He Robin Gunningham?

A Reuters investigation links the mysterious street artist Banksy to Robin Gunningham and his presence in Ukraine in 2022.

The investigation began after Banksy's works appeared near Kyiv. Reuters identified court documents naming Robin Gunningham as the man arrested for vandalizing an advertising billboard in New York in 2000.

The investigation also connects Robert Del Naja of Massive Attack to the mission in Ukraine, along with Giles Duley and a man named David Jones, whose birth date matches that of Robin Gunningham.

According to Banksy's former manager, Steve Lazarides, the artist legally changed his name to David Jones after 2008.

Pest Control Office, the company that certifies Banksy's works, saw its assets increase significantly from 2009 to 2024.

Banksy's anonymity is considered a key element of his art, while his business activities create a paradox between critique and profit.