The people behind the auction house and those who work inside it cannot be individually held to account. This is the conclusion reached by the press and the art world at large. Somewhere along the line - somebody had to be responsible. Occasionally Sotheby's have been held accountable for their actions. Which only occasionally resulted in sacrificing one or two of their so-called 'experts'.
Every charge is dealt with vigorously by their high powered lawyers.
Litigation in the US or England is a costly and lengthy affair. Somewhere down the line most plaintiffs take the money and run. The cover up is plotted as seriously and professionally as the defence. You are sailing more or less clear. Probably not, but very effective.