A computer database at a supermarket in eastern China is being held hostage by cybercriminals demanding 0.042 Bitcoin, which amounts to US$1,832, according to a Chinese media report.
Fast facts
- Since China banned all cryptocurrency-related transactions in September 2021, even those handled by crypto exchanges located outside China, it would be illegal for Ourunda supermarket to make the payment.
- Hackers had demanded 0.042 Bitcoin from the supermarket in December, which has so far either refused to or been legally unable to pay the ransom.
- As a result of the attack, the supermarket, which is located in the major eastern city of Wenzhou, hasn’t been able to let customers use their store-issued prepaid value card for payments, according to The Paper.
- The supermarket has reported the case to the Lucheng District police station, which declined to answer questions from Forkast.