[wizzwizz4]

Some institutions are more corrupt than others. Just because it's normalised, that doesn't mean it's normal. (Discussed https://academia.stackexchange.com/q/5662/84223 https://academia.stackexchange.com/a/65821/84223 https://academia.stackexchange.com/q/142359/84223 )

Consider another unethical practice: sexual harassment, in many industries, was once so extremely common that there was nothing to report. Everyone in a position to do something about it knew it happened, yet it continued. People reported it anyway. Tanked some of the reporters' careers, but the practice is way less accepted now.

You've completed your PhD, so you're at less risk of backlash. Are you yet in a position where you can blow the whistle on what happened to you?