First, I would also have ethical issues about this! And I have many friends who would agree. What you described reads like the plot of a major newspaper story

First, I would also have ethical issues about this! And I have many friends who would agree. What you described reads like the plot of a major newspaper story to me. Did you ever consider taking this to a journalist? There are sites where journalists are asking people for interesting stories. This seems to fit very nicely! The government spending people's money to monopolist companies with criminal records. And while there is no guarantee, this might be the most influential action you could do in order to get your sought after alternatives earlier rather than later. What might also help is discovering a neologism for this type of (government) misbehavior e.g. "does your government/this organization also X" where X is an alternative to "use software from a company that has a criminal record". Maybe as easy as: Does that organization use (and pay) for "ciminals' software"? Or: Does your government use "blood software"? (as in blood diamonds) In case that you are not comfortable taking this to a journalist or want some help, I am happy to support you!