Yeah, this sounds 100% like "working as intended". Even if they aren't stolen, this prevents people who've gotten their hands on these laptops for free/cheap (recycling) don't also get their hands on an unassuming user's data. I'd rather that my data is protected than someone make a quick buck from my refuse (or worse, by stealing from me).
For legitimate transactions or ones where the data liabilities are fully disclosed, you can obviously get around this easily.
For legitimate transactions or ones where the data liabilities are fully disclosed, you can obviously get around this easily.