A U.S. district judge decided on Monday that a 1909 Pablo Picasso painting titled "Compotier et tasse," or "Fruit bowl and cup," will remain with the Justice Department while criminal proceedings are underway against the painting's owner in Italy. With an estimated worth of $11.5 million, the Picasso is being held at the Italian government's request.

A news release from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Washington said the move was in response to a formal request from Italian authorities.

Italy has charges of embezzlement and fraudulent bankruptcy on the painting's owner, Gabriella Amati, who, along with her late husband, allegedly caused the city of Naples to lose $44 million through tax avoidance and other fraudulent schemes.

The painting was offered in a private sale for $11.5 million on May 21 when Homeland Security agents seized it in New York.