A flood of e-mailed bomb threats on Thursday have been reported in a number of major Canadian and US cities.
The threats were received by businesses and individuals across the country, ranging from the Comox Valley to Calgary to Toronto and more.
One version of the bomb threat e-mail calls for payment in Bitcoin to stop the potential explosion.
“I write to inform you that my man has carried the bomb (Tetryl) into the building where your business is located,” reads the e-mail threat.
“My recruited person keeps the area under control. If any unusual behaviour cop is noticed the bomb will be exploded.”
“20’000 usd is the cost for your life. Transfer it to me in BTC and I guarantee that I will withdraw my recruited person and explosive won’t detonate.”
https://twitter.com/tomscott/status/1073282152031240192
While many law enforcement agencies consider the threat a hoax, measures are being taken for prudence.
“The threats are not believed to be credible at this point, however, we are taking precautions out of an abundance of caution,” said the Calgary police service in a statement.
Meanwhile, police in Toronto briefly evacuated a high traffic subway line to confirm the safety of commuters.
BOMB THREAT:
King Subway Station
-A threat has been received
-Police are investigating
-King Subway Station has been evacuated
*Anyone with info that may assist in this investigation is asked to call police*#GO2285161
^dh— Toronto Police Operations (@TPSOperations) December 13, 2018
The US
Meanwhile, south of the border, similar bomb threats have been reported in Washington DC, Chicago, San Francisco, and New York.
After investigating some of the threats and finding no explosive devices, the New York Police Department has taken a firm stance on the threats, calling the e-mails “NOT CREDIBLE”.
The NYPD believes the e-mails were just “meant to cause disruption and/or obtain money”.
Please be advised – there is an email being circulated containing a bomb threat asking for bitcoin payment. While this email has been sent to numerous locations, searches have been conducted and NO DEVICES have been found. pic.twitter.com/7omOs13Z7Q
— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) December 13, 2018
If you are concerned about a bomb threat, or see something suspicious, Public Safety Canada recommends listening to local law enforcement and reporting suspicious activity to them.
Stay safe, Victoria! And you can probably hold on to your bitcoins.