However no such luck for the boys in blue.
This week a court in Hague sided with Microsoft saying the company founded by the world's richest man wasn't legally obliged to pay back the money.
The reason being - if you can believe it - is because a very similar case has transpired before.
Only that time Microsoft paid back €765,000 to Dutch police after they botched an order in 2005. At the time, the software company made a point of highlighting the fact that it was not legally compelled to return the money and that it was a one time deal.
And apparently this time around, they're sticking to their word.
To add insult to injury, police will have to foot the bill for €10,000 in legal fees.
So if you've had a bad day at work, just think of this story to get a little perspective.