I have to disagree with you there, the parent comment is claiming that this has happened before and they cite that Wikipedia article. ;-)
In my opinion, the fact that this has happened before, and that the companies involved eventually plead guilty, is an important piece of information for people following this story. Especially in light of the statements from the companies involved today.
The comment said "this isn't the first time", present tense, meaning they are currently being found to have done it again. That's not true (the finding has not happened yet), and what the person you're going back forth with is arguing.
In my opinion, the fact that this has happened before, and that the companies involved eventually plead guilty, is an important piece of information for people following this story. Especially in light of the statements from the companies involved today.