This is probably exactly what happened. I can easily imagine upper management settings unrealistic performance goals that force the minions to make dark choices...
Unless some project manager was tied to a chair and beaten with a rubber hose, no one was forced to do anything.
If a career criminal takes 1400€ from me because his employer has set unrealistic performance goals, I still want that criminal to see justice and my money returned.
I agree, but management acting ignorant of how the sausage is made is just as bad.
Basically, that criminal's employer should also face dire consequences or his take away will be "lets properly vet the next criminal I hire so this doesn't happen again".
Now, this is not Uber levels of shady shit, but it's a start. I hope if we remain vigilant and make our voices heard things will improve for the better.
People who would otherwise act sensibly can talk themselves into some shady stuff when there's money and career advancement at stake.