private message mod for smf?

[jm476]

hello folks, first i know all the issues on both sides of the fence about reading somebodies private messages.

i already know how to dig through the mysql database and pull up the private messages table in order to read the messages if i feel the need.

the issue is i run a large message board with thousands of users, some of these users i believe are gangmembers that are utilizing the private messaging system on my boards to facilitate drug deals.

i do not want to be an overbearing jackass and drive away my good members, and nor do i want to drive away these folks if it turns out i am wrong about them.

the problem is they delete their messages and thus remove them from the database before i can pull it up into the database and look at them.

i need to know a way or find a mod to set it so that certain user groups can not delete their private messages, this would allow me to flag suspicious people and take a look to make sure everything is on the up and up and then return them to their normal permissions

additionally it is high time someone made a simple mod that would allow admins for smf based wbe boards to view private messages without having to dig through the database, i respect peoples privacy as much as possible. however i do not want to be an accesory to illegal activity and have my boards that i have worked HARD on over the years shut down or worse, i also do not want to offend or ban the wrong people.

any assistance on where to find a mod or some other workaround that could help me with this would be GREATLY appreciated.

[ApplianceJunk]

the issue is i run a large message board with thousands of users,

Could you post the URL or send it to me?
I'm always interested in looking at large forums that use SMF to see if I can learn something new.

Thanks,