Something tells me there's more to this story. Much more:
1) the value of the painting and the careless way it was handled suggests subterfuge.
2) Where was this painting during the War? Specifically, after 1933?
3) Is it the subject of any claims?
4) Was this an instance of self-help by descendants of owners who were forced to sell cheaply given the situation in Germany, who had previously not succeeded in their claims?
5) Siemens no longer gives briefcases full of cash to secure foreign contracts. But a painting?
6) Israel is a "no questions asked" jurisdiction when it comes to banking. Scenario: a Russian buyer pays $300k in cash in Israel, the funds are immediately deposited in an Israeli bank. Hard to do that anywhere else (maybe Ciudad del Este, or Northern Cyprus). Seller wires funds out from Israel from time to time, raising no suspicion or tax inquiries.
1) the value of the painting and the careless way it was handled suggests subterfuge.
2) Where was this painting during the War? Specifically, after 1933?
3) Is it the subject of any claims?
4) Was this an instance of self-help by descendants of owners who were forced to sell cheaply given the situation in Germany, who had previously not succeeded in their claims?
5) Siemens no longer gives briefcases full of cash to secure foreign contracts. But a painting?
6) Israel is a "no questions asked" jurisdiction when it comes to banking. Scenario: a Russian buyer pays $300k in cash in Israel, the funds are immediately deposited in an Israeli bank. Hard to do that anywhere else (maybe Ciudad del Este, or Northern Cyprus). Seller wires funds out from Israel from time to time, raising no suspicion or tax inquiries.