Italian police have arrested a man from Trieste. The 47-year-old allegedly threatened supermarkets and other establishments that he would poison bottled water and groceries with cyanide and rat poison if he did not receive money demanded in cryptocurrency. Companies in Austria and other European countries were also affected.
The investigation into the suspect was conducted in collaboration with the Austrian police and Europol. In addition to Italian companies and supermarkets in Austria, Germany, Switzerland, France and Spain, the suspect allegedly blackmailed them with the threat of food poisoning, police said. Cooperation with the Austrian detectives was “critical” for the identification and arrest of the man from Trieste, it is said.
Previously convicted of extortion
The suspect’s home has been searched. Authorities seized a number of items, including an oven and scales used to weigh food. They were featured in a video shot by the suspect showing the method of poisoning by pouring thallium sulfate into product jars. The suspect had previously been convicted of cyber fraud and extortion.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
