Private eyes spying on behalf of HP have been ordered to pay $3,000 for spying on hacks and obtaining their phone records through dodgy means.

The Federal Trade Commission has made it clear that they have not fined Joseph Depante and Depante of Action Research Group, but this was "equitable monetary relief."  They did nothing wrong and have decided to donate the money of their own free will, or something.

According to CNET, Action Research Group was hired to uncover the source of boardroom leaks to journalists. The FTC said in a press release that the $3,000 equitable monetary relief was due to the Depantes' claimed "inability to pay" a larger penalty of $67,000. The two PIs agreed to be good and never, ever do it again.

More here.