There’s been a couple studies. This NYT article summarizes some of them. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/15/business/economy/kamala-harris-inflation-price-gouging.html
The article says that the cause is complex. Corporate profits are part of it, but also increased wages across the supply chain, and strong demand (more people eating at home instead of eating out) vs lower supply (egg shortages, for example). I saw another article suggesting that climate change was also harshly impacting the supply chain, but it didn’t list a solid source.
That is how you money launder via purchases. It’s more common to use artwork but you get the gist.