There is no rational payoff.
This is an example of institutional arrogance and stupidity. On an individual basis I am sure we could find some carefully hidden malice and self-destructive impulses in critical staff members. Just because some things can be done, does not mean they should be done.
On an irrational basis one might recall the quote from the Stephen King novel "The Stand".
"Now you know it works. Any questions?"
i lived in the third world much of my life. the idea of janitors selling bats for extra cash is 100% believable, though we will never really know the truth.
It’s the “Mad Scientist Syndrome”