Controversial cryptocurrency developer Tether says it will not give in to extortionists who are demanding a 500 Bitcoin ransom payment (currently worth approximately US $24 million).
According to a series of tweets posted by the blockchain and cryptocurrency organisation this weekend, it received a ransom demand on Sunday, warning that if payment was not made within 24 hours, sensitive documents would be leaked online that would “harm the bitcoin ecosystem.”
Screenshots published online purport to show “dubious communication between employees of Tether, Deltec Bank & Trust, and other parties”.
Screenshot of an alleged email posted on Twitter.
However, Tether says that the documents are forged.
Some Twitter accounts created to share the screenshots of alleged leaked documents have since been suspended.
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Tether has been dismissive of the threats it claims to have received:
“It is unclear whether this is a basic extortion scheme like those directed at other crypto companies or people looking to undermine Tether and the crypto community as a whole. Either way, those seeking to harm Tether are getting increasingly desperate.”
“We want our customers, personnel, and the crypto community to stay safe. Please always be vigilant and practice good operational security.”
“While we believe this is a pretty sad attempt at a shakedown, we take it seriously. We have reported the forged communications and the associated ransom demand to law enforcement. As always, we will fully support law enforcement in an investigation of this extortion scheme.”
Tether and Bitfinex crypto tether million ransom after being threatened document
