For a non-tech savvy individual....do I have it right?
I assume they got a proper warrant to seize a server that was the ?host? for a kiddy porn website.
Then, instead of shutting the server down, they let it run...and used a hacking program to 'remove disguises' from the people visiting the website and went after them.
If it was 'non technical' (i.e...similar to a physical (not digital) crime):
They got a proper warrant and raided a Drug house.
Instead of flash bangs, shoot the dogs and grandmothers, etc...that they usually do...the quietly snuck the dealers out the back and replaced the dealers with their own agents and continued to sell drugs.
Then, when the 'upscale' customers who would come in disguise to buy drugs...they'd follow them home (apparently to another state), break in quietly and find out who they were....then quietly leave and get an arrest warrant based on that info?
(I can see how the last 'break in' to get info isn't legal unless they got a search warrant from a judge in that jurisdiction)