MOSCOW, April 18 (RIA Novosti) - Moscow police have nabbed an art dealer trying to sell an 18th century painting stolen in 2004 from Slovenia, the city's organized crime and terrorism department said on Friday.

Police, acting on a tip-off, detained the Moscow based art dealer in the process of selling the 18th century painting by Italian artist Francesco Guardi.

A criminal case has been opened on charges of receiving and selling stolen property.

The man, whose identity has not been disclosed, could face up to two years in prison if convicted.