Yes, many of us have already encountered 'toxic sludge' codebases from misguided low-cost offshoring in the 2000s (offshoring can be done great but not when the only criteria is cost-saving).

There's work to be had in refactoring and taming them, but to be honest it's demoralising and thankless work, and hard to explain the value of what you've done to the people signing the checks.

(Also — this is a nicely written article with a refreshingly clear tone of voice)