This is a case of corruption and not loan. Who blows away $5M in gambling while working for the government?. How much do government workers earn on an average that would give them more than enough to blow away?. I think we have to start asking the question now, if gambling is actually the problem or those that are gambling. Because in this particular case, stolen funds were obviously used.
No one will get rich in the government, unless the employee is not honest and joins corruption. To lose $5 million in gambling means that gambler has way more than that. They dont really lose money since every year there’s a budget for the country, they just take their kickbacks or even make fake projects and pocket the funds.
The problem is bigger because everyone is participating. For sure there are more who are gambling, they’re just smart enough not to get caught since they know the consequences.
Jail term might seem like the last and only solution, but it won't in anyway bring back the money. I was thinking that the both of them should be forced to work without pay, but on a second thought, $5M isn't a small amount to work for either. I guess the law will treat them accordingly. So embarrassing honestly.
Jail time plus the government should freeze their assets. And since the president already ordered a lifestyle check on the officials, it’s easy to point out those living way above their salary. They can already be suspects of corruption from that alone.