I wouldn't call that line "objective reporting". "illegally" is presumptuous. Nobody was arrested or charged with a crime. I don't see any mention of any complaints. There is no information to support the characterization. I think they threw in the word "illegally" because nobody would read the article if they didn't. That isn't good journalism, that sensationalism.
Last time I checked, using people's resources without their consent was illegal, I don't know if it's the same for you where you live.