Were [they] almost caught before, but managed to use this trick to get out of it, and this situation could be being used to get that instance overturned, reopened, and brought to light?

Are there any circumstances under which this procedure could be amended or overturned? Who would need to do and approve that? Under what/whose authority do these codes fall? Are there valid reasons for them? Are the limits on them not correct? Was what was exposed irreparably compromising? Are we sure the underlaying investigation is ongoing?