THUNDER BAY – Dryden Police report that spammers are sending a wave of threats to businesses, schools, and other locations in English- speaking countries across the world, demanding bitcoin in exchange for not detonating a supposed bomb.
In a statement, police say, “There is no evidence of any actual explosives being placed or detonated, but it’s causing numerous evacuations and law enforcement investigations across the US, Canada, and New Zealand — and potentially elsewhere. Police are both investigating potential threats and asking victims to exercise caution.”
On December 12, 2018, Dryden Police received a call from a Dryden business advising of an email the business received asking for $20 000 in Bitcoin to avoid having their business blown up. The owner immediately recognized the scam and reported it to the police and did not turn over any type of currency to the scammers.
Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) are investigating multiple bomb threats across the province.
The threats were sent via email, targeting businesses and institutions, demanding a payment in bitcoins. There have been similar incidents reported throughout North America. The public is encouraged to report any suspicious activity that could be a risk to public safety.
Detective Staff Sergeant Bryan Gast of CIB is coordinating the OPP’s investigation into this matter. Anyone with information is urged to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
