Any public official or authority who, having to intervene by reason of their position in any kind of contract, matter, operation or activity, takes advantage of such circumstance to force or facilitate any form of participation, direct or through an intermediary, in such business or actions, shall incur a prison sentence of six months to two years, a fine of twelve to twenty-four months and special disqualification from public employment or office and from the exercise of the right to passive suffrage for a period of two to seven years.