Terrorists in Prague have threatened to use the deadly Ebola virus as a biological weapon if the Czech Republic did not pay a huge ransom in popular digital currency bitcoin, according to media reports.
ALTCoin Press reported that the Spanish Intelligence agency has intercepted online discussions between jihadists who plan to use the Ebola virus as a weapon.
The terrorists demanded €1m (£788,000, $1.26m) in bitcoin, and warned that failing to comply with any of their requests would lead to the spreading of the disease in Prague and other cities. They also threatened to hold a 'viral' social media smear campaign.
"If you don't answer this letter, we will send press releases to media and inform people on social networks such as Twitter, Facebook and Youtube to let them know how negligent the Czech offices are," they said.
They wanted Czech officials to pay the money in three parts. The first was supposed to be paid on 3 November, a second on 5 November, and a third after they handed over the infected material.
The warning was sent in anonymous emails to the cabinet offices of the Czech government.
The government would require about 4,000 bitcoins to pay the ransom at current prices. It is not known whether the government possesses that number of digital currency.
The Czech Republic's interior ministry issued a public statement saying that "the culprit or culprits are using very sophisticated communication methods."
Czech police ignored the threat, saying they are not taking the letters and blackmailing very seriously.
"The only intention of the blackmailers is to cause a panic," the police said.
There have been concerns that bitcoin, an electronic currency, is aiding terrorists and blackmailers, as it enables them to receive funds anywhere in the world almost anonymously and immediately. Once bitcoin is sent to another person, the transaction cannot be frozen or reversed.
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Play Allardyce: Grappling is a Wrestling MoveALTCoin Press reported that the Spanish Intelligence […]