Hacker`s Cat with Virus Collar `Arrested` by Japanese Police

Japanese police have “arrested” a cat carrying a computer virus that a hacker installed on a memory card attached to the pet`s collar, according to the AFP. Cyber cops managed to find the feline on an island near Tokyo after being teased for several months with e-mail riddles sent to the media.

The riddles promised journalists the “chance for a big scoop” and used “mountainside” and other clues to lead them on. “This is an invitation to a new game,” one message read, according to the daily newspaper “Sankei Shimbun”.

The digital memory card attached to the cat`s collar was allegedly infected with iesys.exe. The anonymous hacker used the “Remote Control Virus” to send bomb threats from Japanese school computers. The investigation was also linked to terrorist threats sent to the school and kindergarten where Emperor Akihito`s grandchildren study.

The National Police Agency in Japan confessed it was embarrassed after its staff interviewed several people who had nothing to do with the riddles. One was even held for several weeks before other riddles led investigators to clues that proved his innocence.

The head of Japanese police promised his cyber-crime unit would “brush up on its skills.” Authorities also offer a 3 million Japanese yen (over $34.000) reward for whoever helps them catch the hacker.

This is not the only cat to make headlines this week. A Brazilian feline was “arrested” in a jail with contraband items strapped to its body. The confiscated goods included drill bits, files, a mobile phone, a charger and earphones.