It appears that this adventure happened ~6-7 years ago. Folks bent the rules for him, but its not like their bosses haven't ALSO done the exact same thing (and probably more so) throughout their careers. I seriously doubt anyone is getting "in trouble".

Bribing and twisting rules is "a thing" in some places that is part of the normal functioning of society. Is anyone _REALLY_ going to be shocked in Khazakhstan?

The article is a nice contrast to his dehumanizing police experience in SF.