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Extortion

PARIS, FRANCE - APRIL 12: In this photo illustration, the logo of the Coinbase cryptocurrency exchange app (C) is displayed on the screen of an iPhone on April 12, 2021 in Paris, France. Coinbase, America's leading cryptocurrency exchange, arrives on Wall Street on Wednesday April 14 as part of a 'direct introduction'. An IPO, eagerly awaited by crypto enthusiasts, which could value the Californian company at more than 100 billion dollars. Taking advantage of exploding demand for digital currencies, Coinbase said last week that it expects to make a profit of $730 million to $800 million in the first quarter of 2021, more than double the total profit in 2020. Revenues for the first three months of 2021 have likely exceeded last year's, to nearly $1.8 billion. (Photo by Chesnot/Getty Images)
Tech
Coinbase
Coinbase Foils Extortion Attempt, Reinforces Bug Bounty Program
A self-proclaimed "hacker" demanded $450,000 after falsely claiming to be in possession of sensitive Coinbase customer data.
PARIS, FRANCE - APRIL 12: In this photo illustration, the logo of the Coinbase cryptocurrency exchange app (C) is displayed on the screen of an iPhone on April 12, 2021 in Paris, France. Coinbase, America's leading cryptocurrency exchange, arrives on Wall Street on Wednesday April 14 as part of a 'direct introduction'. An IPO, eagerly awaited by crypto enthusiasts, which could value the Californian company at more than 100 billion dollars. Taking advantage of exploding demand for digital currencies, Coinbase said last week that it expects to make a profit of $730 million to $800 million in the first quarter of 2021, more than double the total profit in 2020. Revenues for the first three months of 2021 have likely exceeded last year's, to nearly $1.8 billion. (Photo by Chesnot/Getty Images)
By Frederick Munawa
Nov 30, 2022 at 5:14 p.m. UTC
Nov 30, 2022
CoinbaseBug bountiesExtortionblack hat hackerExclusive
Gavel
Markets
Crime
Blockchain Consultant Pleads Guilty to Extortion Charge
Alchemist associate Michael Hlady faces up to 20 years in prison.
Gavel
By Tanzeel Akhtar
Apr 6, 2021 at 5:17 p.m. UTC
Apr 6, 2021
CrimeDepartment of JusticeICOsExtortion
bribe_shutterstock
Markets
U.s.
Man Pleads Guilty to Trying to Bribe Worker With Bitcoin in Would-Be Extortion Attempt
The man traveled to the U.S. to recruit an employee to introduce malware into the unnamed company's network, the DOJ alleges.
bribe_shutterstock
By Jamie Crawley
Mar 19, 2021 at 10:05 a.m. UTC
Mar 19, 2021
U.S.ExtortionBribery
Japanese night scene
Policy
Crime
Spate of Bitcoin Extortion Bomb Threats Hits Government, Schools in Japan
The extortionists demand a payment in bitcoin to avoid the detonation of an explosive device, per a report.
Japanese night scene
By Daniel Palmer
Oct 12, 2020 at 10:20 a.m. UTC
Oct 12, 2020
CrimeJapanExtortionCoinFlash
New Zealand stock tickers (Phil Walter/Getty)
Markets
Ddos
New Zealand Stock Exchange Hit Repeatedly by Cybercriminals Demanding Bitcoin
NZX has halted trading for the third day in a row as a result of cybercriminals attempting to extort cryptocurrency.
New Zealand stock tickers (Phil Walter/Getty)
By Sebastian Sinclair
Aug 27, 2020 at 10:19 a.m. UTC
Aug 27, 2020
DDoSNew ZealandBitcoinStock ExchangesExtortion
(Flickr)
Markets
Austria
Wave of Bitcoin-Seeking Bomb Threats Sparks Probe by Austrian Police
Police say "numerous" Austrian companies got $20,000 bitcoin ultimatums in the mass extortion campaign.
(Flickr)
By Danny Nelson
Aug 25, 2020 at 4:57 p.m. UTC
Aug 25, 2020
AustriaPolice InvestigationsExtortionCoinFlash
Cryptolocker bitcoin ransomware gang
Policy
Cybercrime
Alleged 'Dark Overlord' Hacker Gang Member Extradited to US
A British national has been extradited to the U.S. for his alleged participation in “The Dark Overlord” hacking group that stole data from several Missouri companies and deman...
Cryptolocker bitcoin ransomware gang
By Danny Nelson
Dec 20, 2019 at 6:00 a.m. UTC
Dec 20, 2019
cybercrimeExtortionProsecutionThe Dark OverlordExtradition
Police
Markets
Crime
Another Police Official Arrested In Alleged Bitcoin Extortion Plot
A police superintendent has been arrested in India on suspicions that he is connected to an extortion scheme against a local businessman.
Police
By Nikhilesh De
Apr 24, 2018 at 1:00 a.m. UTC
Apr 24, 2018
CrimeIndiaBitcoinNewsAsia PacificLegalGujuratKidnappingExtortion
police
Markets
Crime
Police Officers Charged in $1.3 Million Bitcoin Extortion Scheme
Ten Indian police officials have been charged with kidnapping and attempted extortion after allegedly forcing a victim to transfer 200 bitcoins.
police
By Nikhilesh De
Apr 9, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. UTC
Apr 9, 2018
CrimeIndiaBitcoinNewsAsia PacificLegalGujuratKidnappingExtortion