In the end, although the Subcommittee was unable to determine with absolute certainty the ultimate beneficial owners of Highland Business, Highland Ventures, or Advantage Alliance, the evidence is strong that all three companies were connected to and controlled by the Rotenbergs.
B. Art Advisor Gregory Baltser
In addition to evidence that the Rotenbergs used multiple shell companies to mask involvement in high-value U.S. art transactions, the Subcommittee reviewed evidence that the Rotenbergs attempted to conceal their participation in the U.S. art market by hiding behind a Moscow-based art advisor and dealer, Gregory Baltser.
Background. Gregory Baltser is a naturalized U.S. citizen who resides in Moscow.[1] As a U.S. citizen, he is required to comply with U.S. laws, including U.S. sanctions laws. Mr. Baltser graduated from Moscow State Stroganov Academy of Industrial and Applied Arts.[2] A press release dated March 19, 2019 described Mr. Baltser as "a reputable antique specialist and talented decorator whose reputation extends far beyond the borders of the Russian Federation."[3] One auction house described Mr. Baltser as "the only dealer who buys whole interiors and houses in Europe and brings them to Russia."[4]
Mr. Baltser established the BALTZER Auction Agency and Services in 2014 and the website for the BALTZER Agency states:
The BALTZER Agency is here to be your representative; whether at an auction house, gallery, art dealer, or private sale or purchase. Our specialists are professionals with experience of working in the world's major auction houses, including Sotheby's, Christie's, and Phillips. Our job is to save you time and effort, and protect you from expensive mistakes.[5]
Mr. Baltser has also established the BALTZER CLUB, described in a press release as:
- ↑ SOT-000350.
- ↑ Gregory Baltser—Antique Expert, Collector & Decorator, Fine Art Shippers (Mar. 15, 2019), https://fineartshippers.com/gregory-baltser-antique-expert-collector-decorator/.
- ↑ Ilya Kushnirskiy, Introducing BALTZER—Your Personal Guide to Art Collecting, Fine Art Shippers (Mar. 19, 2019), https://www.einpresswire.com/article/479578592/introducing-baltzer-your-personal-guide-to-art-collecting.
- ↑ Christies-PSI-00000048-49.
- ↑ Baltzer: Your Personal Guide to the World of Art & Collecting, Baltzer LLC (2020), https://baltzer.com/en/about.
79
