And the art world has always been notoriously shady.
I’ve read that there are a lot more forgeries on museum walls than the art experts think there are.
I knew of a 'Fine Art' dealer who was a complete scumbag. Made a crapton of money though. His dealership fell out, his partner absconded with a lot of the 'art' and all the money.
He's rich again, via fake 'supplements' you see at gas stations.
Complete con-artist.