Taking stock from client accounts to protect certain individuals who are in margin calls is "Fraudulent = dishonest, deceitful". They should have enforced the call as they would have any of the other not so high profile clients.
Opes management involved (or management of any aligned company that knew of this and did nothing) with this scam deserve all they get and more. The stench from this will eminate for some time.
Gaol terms are too kind IMO, this "boys club" mentality stinks and should be dealt with harshly.
