Permits have been selling for ages. This is done by not only Govt Officers, but some politicos. I am speaking from Govt Officers view. When I consider the number of permits been sold, virtually no petition or something like that been inquired & disciplinary action been taken. Officers are keen about their jobs. Normally any officer who receive the first permit willing to sell to overcome the economical problems. He will get another permit after five year which may actually buy a vehicle.
Once officer sell the permit both parties have risks. Therefore no one may like to raise disputes. Good understanding may benefit the both parties. Some of my friends have sold their permit, but never claimed the vehicle from the actual owner. I am not going to legalize an illegal thing. I saw a paper article that claim 90% of the permits are sold. This is a not a secret.
A person wish to buy a permit must consider the economical benefit doing so. You can ask a dealer to quote the permit price and normal price.