"What are the fencing channels?" Luke asked in passing. This group of robbers planned meticulously and struck ruthlessly; they were certainly not novices and likely had identified their fencing channels before the robbery.

"There are many fencing channels, roughly divided into two categories.

The first scenario is that they've already found a reliable buyer before committing the crime, and once the paintings are acquired, they directly make the transaction.

This neither alarms others nor delays cashing in, which is also the best way.

This can be called a custom buyer.

The other scenario is that the paintings are not sold immediately but stored in a place no one knows about.

They wait until the noise dies down and the police investigation relaxes, and then they sell the paintings."

Luke pursued further, "Sell to whom?"

"This gets complicated, because stolen paintings cannot be legalized. Thieves often look to the black market, and of course, the selling price will not be high, usually about 5% to 10% of the actual price.

This is only the preliminary transaction; the paintings and antiques may change hands several times and might be traded for drugs or weapons.

As for the final destination of these stolen antiques, they are likely resold to the victimized museum, gallery, or insurance company."

Luke thought he had misheard, "You're saying those ten stolen paintings might be resold by the thieves to the Getty Museum?"

"Correct.

However, they would have passed through several hands by then, and one or two intermediaries would be needed to complete the transaction. Of course, the repurchase price would not be too high, around 10%," Jim added. "In fact, this is the best outcome.

As far as I know, those ten stolen paintings from the Getty Museum are worth about 20 million US dollars.

And the Getty Museum has a reward of 2 million US dollars.

So why not use 2 million US dollars to buy back the stolen paintings?

These ten stolen paintings can only achieve their greatest value by returning to the Getty Museum."

Luke understood the other party's meaning; these stolen paintings are registered and cannot be circulated normally. Take the ten paintings stolen from the Getty Museum, for instance; in the hands of others, they are worth a maximum of 2 million US dollars.

But once back at the Getty Museum, their value can increase tenfold.

Now, if the Getty Museum were to redeem the paintings for 2 million US dollars, they might be reluctant and feel aggrieved, but if the police fail to apprehend the robbers or recover the paintings after two years, the museum's supervisors may cool down and likely choose to repurchase the paintings because that way they can maximize benefits.

Without these ten paintings, they've lost 20 million US dollars.

By buying them back for 2 million US dollars, they only lose 2 million.

If we take a step back, even if the Getty Museum no longer wants these paintings, buying them back and then selling them again could still net a profit of 18 million US dollars. No matter how you see it, it's not a losing proposition.

As long as they're not foolish or stubborn, anyone would know what choice to make.

Luke sat at the table and pondered quietly.

From Jim's analysis, the first scenario allows for immediate cash-out.

The second scenario involves holding onto the paintings long-term, posing greater risk and a longer return cycle.

Luke leans towards the first scenario; this group of robbers should have identified buyers before acting, securing a down payment before committing the crime.

As for the reason, Luke deduced it from the actual situation of the case.

First, the cost of the crime needs to be considered. So far, this painting robbery involves about five suspects. If they sell the paintings through the second method, they would get 2 million US dollars, based on a 10% selling price.

Divided among five, forty thousand US dollars per person is not much.

Furthermore, a timing issue arises. According to Jim, if no buyer is found beforehand, the suspects would have to store the paintings for a period, selling them when the heat fades in one or two years.

Moreover, the suspects framed the victimized patrol officer Jens Hauley and planted 200 thousand US dollars in his warehouse; essentially, they lost money before making a profit.

Luke thinks the cost of committing the crime, the level of danger, and the payoff time seem too high and unprofitable.

He speculated that these people had secured committed buyers and received a substantial deposit before the crime, allowing them to use part of that deposit as illicit money to frame Jens Hauley.

This scenario makes sense and is logical.

Once he sorted out his thoughts, Luke asked, "Among the people you know, are there any such targeted buyers?"

"Such targeted buyers are demanding and not easy to find.

Wealthy, art-loving, audacious..."

"So there are some."

"I... do know a few."

"I need their names."

...

Robbery and Murder Department office.

Luke looked at the list in his hand and couldn't help but feel troubled.

Dom Wood, Ruth Cliff, Buddy Cardis, Albus Stone.

Investigating their identity wasn't difficult; they were all prominent figures in California, wealthy, leisurely, and influential.

Dom Wood was a major shareholder in a real estate company, reportedly with substantial business in Washington, New York, and Los Angeles.

Ruth Morgan, no introduction needed; her surname tells all.

Buddy Cardis was a former executive at Disney, with a salary as high as 20 million US dollars, including a base salary of 1 million US dollars, an equivalent bonus, and stock rewards worth 18 million US dollars.

Albus Stone, a stock market tycoon, is known as the Buffett of California and holds long-term stocks in companies like Disney, Apple, and Amazon.

These four people shared a common trait: they love art and enjoy collecting, especially paintings and other such collectibles.

Though they had suspects for potential painting buyers, investigating them wasn't easy.

First, these four currently had no links to the painting robbery, just Luke's conjecture; there was insufficient reason to investigate them.

Second, given their identity and influence, investigating them without legitimate grounds could bring trouble.

Luke wasn't afraid of trouble but didn't want to invite it either.

He called in the deputy to discuss, handing over his theories and suspect list.

The deputy frowned at the names on the list, not out of fear but because these wealthy figures were trouble. Any displeasure could lead to legal challenges, even from an entire team of lawyers.

Additionally, these individuals are financial backers with their networks; they might even know the director. It's okay if there are legitimate reasons, but the problem now is a lack of evidence for investigation.

The deputy carefully reviewed the four's information, "These four all like collecting and should have a lot of collectibles.

What if we approach them proactively and inform them about the Getty Museum painting heist, the robbers still at large.

From the investigation, it seems this gang might strike again, and since they have many valuable collectibles at home, we could warn them about theft prevention.

During the conversation, we might observe their reactions. If they're indeed painting buyers, they might inadvertently reveal their guilt.

Of course, this requires extensive experience to judge.

So, we must personally do the investigation."

Luke said, "Could this proactive friendliness raise their suspicions?"

The deputy sneered, "These rich ones enjoy privileges; they're used to flattery.

If they're unrelated to the painting heist, they shouldn't be suspicious, merely thinking our Robbery and Murder Department is 'thoughtful.' They might even thank the director at a party.

If any of them are indeed painting buyers, they might get suspicious and react.

That's where our discernment comes in."

The deputy's suggestion provided a reason for the police to contact these suspects, but there were concerns.

It could alert the targets.

Luke pondered for a moment, "Let Matthew gather more information on these four. Let me think about it."

"OK, you're the captain."

After the deputy left the office, Luke took out his phone, preparing to dial Orty's number to see if he could get more detailed information from her.

Cats have cat paths, mice have mouse ways.

However, before he finished dialing, his phone rang, "Ring ring ring..."

What a coincidence.

The call was from Orty herself.