That was just one of many trades. The follow-up has deatils of many more https://data-and-politics.ghost.io/this-is-what-insider-trad...

Sorry, I was just replying to the general point. I am sure there's lots more details for this particular case.

Yes, in theory, anyone can be an insider. But folks up in the chain are much more likely to be "insiders with information". I should have probably said "very rich insiders" instead of "true insiders."

>Why? A secretary or janitor or a intern could also be an insider. Or are they No True Scotsmen?

I thought the article itself and comments here presume bad faith on behalf of the highest ranking officials.

Yes, sorry, I was only replying to the general point.

About the specifics we have here:

It's sad that the highest ranking officials are willing to corrupt themselves over a few million here or there. (And that's already pretty high by corruption standards. Usually you here of even much lower bribes etc being enough.)

To be pithy: I'm not angry that you can buy officials and politicians. I'm angry that the price is so low.

2.5M on 0 day options is not small change at all, even for somewhat big players.

0 day - means it's a win big or loose 2.5M on a single day move.

Is it 2.5M notional (that's not necessarily a lot, especially if the options aren't (much) out of the money), or 2.5M premium paid?

2.5M premium paid