In this article, a form of criminal behaviour known as extortion by product contamination is considered. This type of crime, although relatively rare in terms of occurrence, can cause loss, damage, and injury on levels more usually associated with acts committed by terrorist groups. The incidence of occurrence, the types of organisations, and the types of products that are “chosen” by extortionists will be discussed, and an overview of what is required for victimised companies to respond effectively to a typical extortion incident will be considered.
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