I agree with those who would commend Leon for allowing this and other controversial threads to run their course.
The most remarkable aspect of the court filing, in my view, is the sheer pervasiveness of shill bidding during the period covered. One can only assume that Mastro engaged in similar conduct through much if not all of its existence. Jeff L should be commended for calling out Mastro officials long ago.
Query whether similar conduct was engaged in by other auction houses as I assume some of the same consignors and shillers did not limit their business to Mastro auctions?
In any event, going forward, it seems to me that the auction houses would be prudent to engage in some form of self-regulation. Assuming they don't, I think there is still a pretty good chance that the Mastro prosecutions will put the fear of God in all but the most brazen fraudsters.
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