The upper echelons may not care, but that doesn't mean the people at the bottom feel the same. Being in a high position and part of the elite, Argent was virtually untouchable, even if he offended people.
The junior staff, however, couldn't afford such liberties. Don't assume that it's only the top brass who are involved in taking bribes and benefits. In fact, most of the gray market transactions are handled by those lower down the chain.
As the Logistic Minister, Argent wouldn't stoop so low as to personally step in for a matter as trivial as the freight for a few train carriages.
After all, if the underling profited from a kickback, the boss wouldn't be left out. The deal continued because everyone was in the same boat.
...
Lately, Brittany McLean's state of mind was on edge since a shipment headed for Moscow was unloaded in Samara.
