Removed from 'Gmail' doesn't necessarily mean removed from all Google servers. In fact, your old emails are the data set from which Google models our behaviors - the real product it is offering its advertisers.
I have relentlessly beat the drum for Google's 'two-step' authentication systems for Gmail and other services, which radically reduce the likelihood that your account can be hacked from afar.
Im nearly certain that Google accessed my Gmail account after I broke a major story about Google.
When I get up, the first thing I do is open up Gmail and check my personal email.