I've been in similar situations of having to find a way around a red-tape roadblock.  I remember the RC vehicles moving at unheard of rates.  One of my more experienced crew called it, they were empty but still driving routes.

 I can't believe this guy has been doing this as long as he has and just figured out it's about the money.  I do not think it is exclusively about kickbacks, there are other purchasing parameters such as location, supply chain verifications, delivery equipment etc.

 I've also seen people driving in inedible food, unsealed water, fake paperwork, damaged generators etc.  So it's like one has to navigate a balance of inefficient Government red-tape, corruption and uneducated humans wanting to help and scammers.

 If it were all just good people wanting to help it would be easy.