If it was as simple as bribed corruption, then the entire dealing would be kept secret. This was broadcast to the news; "Yes we modify Slaves, and sell them."
They might as well say "Shadow President Winters condones this business within her territory" with the announcement being in no way a secret.
Or no one in that system really cares...
.. its just an odd sequence of events.
[sure, it could just be chalked up to "minimal effort put into background simulation scenarios at this time of updates"- but what fun would that be?]