Netherlands: 2 trapped packages explode, the author demands a ransom in Bitcoin

Credit: Politie Nederland

Two yesterday trapped packages have exploded in companies in Netherlands, not injuring anyone. The packages were sent by one or more criminals demanding a ransom in Bitcoin (BTC).

A first explosion in Amsterdam

Wednesday morning at Amsterdam, an employee of the Dutch bank ABN Amro had the fright of his life. While sorting mail, a package suddenly whistled and then exploded a few seconds later. Luckily, the employee was able to get rid of it quickly and no one was injured, reports RTBF.

A second explosion at Kerkrade

Less than an hour after the first explosion, a second package exploded in a sorting center in the Dutch town of Kerkrade. Again, there are no casualties.

Police said the firecrackers were firecrackers that could cause serious injury but not death. The sorting center was evacuated and a demining team then intervened.

A ransom in Bitcoin

Although a link between these two explosions cannot be established with certainty, the authorities believe that the attacks were probably linked, since the packages were accompanied by a letter requesting to send bitcoins to stop the attacks, report the NYTimes.

It is likely that all these elements are linked, since the same request was made. But we still don't know who sent it. We are investigating, "said Lex van Liebergen, spokesman for the Amsterdam police, without revealing the amount demanded by the suicide bombers.

Minister of Legal Protection concerned

Dutch Minister Sander Dekker said the two explosions were "worrying".

According to our information, there were no injuries, that's already it. For the rest, the police opened an investigation, ”he added.