Topic: 'Spam gang' leader faces $15m fine

[Simon]

The mastermind of a "vast international spam network" has been ordered to pay a fine of $15m (£10m) by US courts.

New Zealander Lance Atkinson and his US accomplice Jody Smith sent billions of illegal e-mails marketing prescription drugs and and weight-loss pills.  US authorities claimed the gang - known as HerbalKing - "deceptively marketed" the drugs on the internet.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/8388737.stm

[Clive]

I would never buy anything from a spammer.  I don't even bother to open spam e-mails in case they contain a virus.  However, generally speaking I think India has a good reputation for high quality pharmaceuticals and it's in the interest of our own drug companies to convince us we should not be buying them.

[sam]

However, generally speaking I think India has a good reputation for high quality pharmaceuticals and it's in the interest of our own drug companies to convince us we should not be buying them.

haha... unless you are serious? still haha

[Rik]

Well, at least the fine should make their eyes water.

[Clive]

They still haven't paid the one imposed in 2004.   

[Rik]

The courts there are as good as the ones here then.

[Simon]

What's the bloody point of fining them if they are not going to persue the payments? 

[Rik]

None.