Ordered tap: espionage involves paperwork (3,4)
I believe the answer is:
red tape
'paperwork' is the definition.
(I have seen 'unnecessary paperwork' mean 'red tape' so perhaps 'paperwork' could also mean 'red tape')
'ordered tap espionage involves' is the wordplay.
'involves' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue.
'RED-TAPE' can be found hidden inside 'ordered tap espionage'.
(Other definitions for red tape that I've seen before include "Petty official procedures" , "Bureaucratic ribbon" , "Excessive bureaucracy (3.4)" , "Bureaucratic delay" , "Colourful bureaucratic procedure" .)