March 21, 2003

Extortion Scheme in Japanese Higher Ed; Espionage Conviction in Moscow

The Japanese education ministry has uncovered an attempt to blackmail at least 180 professors and others working at 70 universities under the ministry's control.

The professors received identical letters, which stated, "I have learned through an insider of your secret, which is punishable by your institution. An investigation has been carried out, and I know all about it."

The letters went on to demand 500,000 yen, or $4,250, from the recipients to have the relevant