Alternatively, use the auction to stir up attention and low bids, even though there's nothing here. Then imply a state actor won (via a large self-bid) or disr

Alternatively, use the auction to stir up attention and low bids, even though there's nothing here. Then imply a state actor won (via a large self-bid) or disrupted the auction. Hence the penny-auction structure, where they can walk away and keep preliminary bids.