14 DAY TRIAL // The Australian Communications Authority has debuted an investigation concerning the spamming of in excess of two billion Viagra emails. Sophos has revealed the news via a press release, and has stated its support for the ACMA actions. According to Sophos, the investigation has been catalyzed by the information harvested by OPTA, the Dutch Independent Regulator of Post and Telecommunications who collaborated with the ACMA on the matter.
"It looks like a spammer from down-under has become so excited with his of her own Viagra spam, that they have forgotten about the severe financial penalties that could be imposed by the authorities, if they're caught out," commented Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant at Sophos. "Spam is a global problem. A junk email message selling drugs can be received by Internet users around the world. It is good to see the high level of cooperation between international authorities and we can only hope that a clear message is sent to spammers that their activities will not be tolerated."
The identity of the suspected man has not been disclosed to the public as yet, but his computer has been confiscated for analysis. If he will be found guilty of the civil charges brought against him, the man faces a financial penalty of AU $1.1 million (US $828,000) per day under the 2003 Australian Spam Act.
"If you think you need Viagra seek out a legitimate doctor, not a quack on the internet. Buying medicine online from a website advertised by spam email could put your health in mortal danger," concluded Cluley.