HEERLEN The threatening letter to Mayor Ralf Krewinkel of Heerlen, delivered to the town hall on Dec. 21, demanded 1 million euros. This money was to be paid within 72 hours in various bills. The package in question also contained the dangerous explosive TNT with accompanying clock timer and two wires, but without a detonator. This is according to the police file, viewed by CRIMEWATCHER.

The package arrived at the Heerlen town hall in Heerlen on Wednesday, Dec. 21 last year and was explicitly addressed to the mayor, the envelope used clearly states. In addition to the demand for 1 million euros, the letter stated that 1,000 bitcoins had to be deposited in a certain account number. 'We demand from you 1,000 bitcoins to bitcoin account (the number, BT.). You have until 2 p.m. on Dec. 23 to make sure it is in the specified account.

As for the one million euro demand, the letter in question further states, "After that, you have 72 hours to prepare 1 million euros in used bills of 500, 200, 100 and 50 euros. 'As soon as the bitcoins are on account, we will contact you with the provided phone, for dropping the money'.

About the transfer of the money and the threat of a bombing, the letter says: 'If the courier has picked up everything and is back safely, we will not set off an explosive and will leave you alone otherwise. Should you not take us seriously, an explosive will go off at an unspecified day and time'.

The writer(s) reinforced this threat with the following words: "The deaths and injuries that will result from this hysteria will be something you have never experienced in your country. And concluding with the text, 'This will be the responsibility for you the CIVIL EMPEROR'.

On Thursday, December 22, just before midnight, prime suspect Eric L. (45) of Heerlen was arrested on suspicion of attempted extortion, threatening and having explosive substances in hand. The arrest took place at a residence in Hulsberg. L. was held for five days and has since been released. However, he is still a suspect.