Smokescreen (noun)

1. A cloud of smoke used to conceal military movements or activities.
2. An action or statement intended to distract attention from an issue or problem.

Origin:

From smoke + screen.

Examples:

1. The smokescreen was used to conceal the movement of tanks.
2. The smokescreen was used to hide the company's financial problems.
3. The politician used a smokescreen to distract from the scandal.
4. The company's positive PR campaign was seen as a smokescreen for their unethical practices.
5. The smokescreen allowed the company to continue its illegal activities.