An Auckland man has been fined $12,000 for sending more than 2000 spam emails.
The court found Zeljko Aksentijevic had sent 2230 abusive emails. Photo: AFP
Internal Affairs took action against Mr Zeljko Aksentijevic after receiving complaints about the spam emails from members of the public in July 2012.
It said the case was the first defended anti-spam case in New Zealand, and the first civil pecuniary penalty application to be heard through to completion in the Manukau District Court.
In a decision released today, Mr Aksentijevic was found to have sent 2230 abusive emails, largely to members of an internet gaming forum, following an online argument.
Peter Merrigan, a senior investigator at the Department of Internal Affairs, has welcomed the decision and warned the department would continue to prosecute spammers.
