>Hunter B suddenly getting into art. This takes the spotlight off their crimes. And will start painting a different picture of him to public. Also a good front. Think The Getty. Corrupt billionaires don't have to work they become philanthropist and artist so they can keep doing what ever they are into.
The art industry has long been a front for money laundering.
Price can be manipulated easier than the stock market.
Private auctions provide perfect cover for anonymity.
Large sums of money are recorded "on paper", allowing transactions to take place "legally".
Not only does this provide a means to exchange other goods once "the deal" is done, this provides ample opportunity for later insurance fraud.
Person buys worthless "million-dollar" painting. Gets stolen or destroyed in a manner which they can make an insurance claim. Bonus million dollars for worthless painting already used in money laundering scheme.
Rich get richer. Our insurance rises to cover, all the while we remain completely oblivious to the fraud…