ACA investigates suspected spammer

The Australian Communications Authority (ACA) is investigating a Perth-based company suspected of sending tens of millions of unsolicited commercial emails.

The ACA executed a search warrant at the company's premises yesterday. Computer hard disks and related material were seized by ACA inspectors for examination, according to a statement from the regulator.

Dr Bob Horton, acting chairman at the ACA, said he could not name the company at this time.

“However, the ACA has received reports from members of the public alleging they have received thousands of unsolicited emails sent by this company,” Horton said.

“Further investigations suggested this was only the tip of the iceberg.”

The company and its sole director had also been issued with formal notices requiring them to produce documents and other information about their activities to the ACA within two weeks, according to an ACA statement.

"The warrant had been issued by the Federal Magistrates Court on the grounds that the ACA reasonably suspected the company of sending tens of millions of unsolicited commercial emails in breach of the Spam Act 2003," the ACA stated.