The police have been asked to investigate whether BT has breached the 'Proceeds of Crime Act' by taking payment for money accumulated through the use of rogue Internet dialling software:

A short report has now been sent to the CPS, the body responsible for prosecuting people in England and Wales charged with a criminal offence. A spokeswoman for the CPS confirmed that the report had been received and that it is "being looked into".

In a statement the MP for Waveney said: "I know that BT didn't want these scams to happen and they have taken steps to better protect customers in future. BT is something of a victim too, but the company shouldn't punish its customers who have already been scammed. It should be big enough to waive the charges for the fraudulent calls."

In a statement it said: "BT cannot refuse to carry the telecommunications traffic unless or until a criminal act is clearly established. Much as BT would like to act on a mere suspicion of potential wrongdoing, unless BT has very concrete evidence it is very difficult to stop calls or withhold money."

Indeed to be fair, BT was recently threatened with legal action for blocking several such numbers without proof that a crime had taken place.

Typically the whole area of rogue Internet diallers remains somewhat of a legal black spot, adding to the difficulties.

Having said that, if certain numbers/services can be established to have acted illegally then BT should refund any fraudulently required money. Otherwise this cash simply gets back to those responsible. More @ The Register.