How much will the GCSB's spying cost us? $6 million, in Kim Dotcom's case alone:
Taxpayers face a $6 million bill in damages over the unlawful raid and illegal spying on Kim Dotcom and others.
Legal papers filed with the High Court allege an "excessively aggressive and invasive approach" by police during a raid on Dotcom's mansion 18 months ago.
They also accuse Deputy Prime Minister Bill English of acting unlawfully in trying to cover up the spying by the GCSB before the raid.
The statement of claim, filed with the High Court at Auckland, seeks compensation for the actions of police and the GCSB over the lead-up to and execution of the raid last year.
But while it will be taxpayers footing the bill, it is senior staff at the police and GCSB who are responsible. And it should be coming straight out of their salaries.
