Ethereum News Today: Delhi Schools Hit by Cyber Extortion Hoax Demanding $5,000 in Ethereum

A coordinated cyber extortion scheme has disrupted Delhi's education sector as 32 schools were subjected to bomb threats demanding $5,000 in cryptocurrency from a self-identified group calling itself “The Terrorizers 111 Group.” The threat emails, sent on Monday, falsely claimed that pipe bombs and explosive devices had been placed on school campuses, urging immediate evacuation and payment to an Ethereum address within 72 hours to prevent detonation [1]. Among the affected schools were Global School, BGS International, and DPS Dwarka, which took the precautionary measure to close its operations temporarily [1].

Delhi Police confirmed after thorough searches that no explosives were found on the targeted campuses. “Search operation is completed and nothing suspicious was found,” an officer stated, indicating the threats were baseless. However, the cyber group also claimed to have breached school IT systems, stolen sensitive data, and taken control of surveillance systems, adding a data extortion element to the hoax [1]. Cyber forensic teams are now attempting to trace the sender's IP address to identify the origin of the threat.

This incident marks the latest in a series of bomb threat hoaxes targeting educational institutions in Delhi. In July, over 45 schools and three colleges were similarly affected, all confirmed as false. Officials have urged calm and cooperation, noting that investigations continue to uncover the group's identity and motives [1]. The digital nature of the threat—leveraging cryptocurrency for ransom—reflects a broader trend in cyber extortion schemes, where anonymity and irreversible transactions are key advantages for attackers [2].

The incident raises concerns about the vulnerability of educational institutions to cyber threats, especially given their often limited resources for cybersecurity. The use of fear-based tactics—without any evidence of actual data theft or explosive devices—suggests a strategic intent to provoke panic and force compliance. DPS Dwarka’s immediate closure highlights the precautionary approach taken by some institutions in the absence of clear evidence [1].

While it remains unclear whether the attackers have legitimate control over any data, the psychological and logistical impact of the threats is significant. Authorities are now focused on determining the legitimacy of the claims and identifying the individuals behind the cyber attacks [1]. As cryptocurrency-based extortion schemes evolve, the case underscores the need for stronger digital security and preparedness across non-corporate institutions.

Sources:

[1] title: Hoax bomb scare: 'Terrorizers 111 Group' behind 'threat' to ...

url: https://www.livemint.com/news/india/hoax-bomb-scare-terrorizers-111-group-behind-threat-to-delhi-schools-seeks-ransom-in-crypto-what-are-its-demands-1175****708374.html

[2] title: Crypto Ransom Hoax: 32 Delhi Schools Targeted by Bomb ...

url: https://www.cryptotimes.io/2025/08/19/crypto-ransom-hoax-32-delhi-schools-targeted-by-bomb-threat/