They form these groups to network and do favors for each other and provide cover for each other. After a while you are asked to do increasingly compromising things to yourself to do deeper into/stay part of the club such as blood rituals. Bohemian Grove high priest Henry Kissinger led simulated animal sacrifice rituals attended by many others in the "inner circles" of the top strata of decision makers and wallet holders. They do this because engaging in a common taboo unites the group extremely strongly, and these behaviors are the ultimate taboo.

> They do this because engaging in a common taboo unites the group extremely strongly, and these behaviors are the ultimate taboo.

This last sentence immediately made me think of Epstein’s island and the “ultimate taboo” they were engaging in there.