China Business Journal Warns Firms About Fake Bitcoin Extortion Emails

BitRiver Founder Igor Runets Detained in Russia Over Nearly 1 Billion-Ruble Fraud CaseHighlights:

• China Business Journal warned companies about fake emails using its name to demand Bitcoin payments.
• Scammers allegedly threatened to publish damaging reports unless targeted businesses transferred Bitcoin or other assets.
• The newspaper denied involvement, urged firms to save evidence, and reserved the right to pursue legal action.

China Business Journal has warned companies about fraudulent emails that misuse its name to demand Bitcoin payments. In an official statement issued on July 30, the Chinese newspaper said criminals had contacted several businesses while falsely claiming to represent the publication.

According to China Business Journal, the senders used an email address that does not belong to the company. They claimed that an alleged “undercover investigation” had uncovered serious negative information about the targeted businesses. The fraudsters then threatened to publish damaging reports unless the companies handed over assets in the form of Bitcoin. China Business Journal said the messages were false, unauthorized, and entirely unrelated to its reporting operations.

JUST IN: China Business Journal warns enterprises of Bitcoin ransom scams using its name; urges use of official channels and cautions against fraud. No direct market impact implied. $BTC pic.twitter.com/6WpFwAj3xC

— Bpay News (@bpaynews) July 30, 2026

China Business Journal Denies Any Connection to Fraudulent Emails

The publication specifically identified the email address [email protected] as part of the alleged scam. It confirmed that the address and all messages sent from it had never received company approval. China Business Journal also rejected every claim made in the emails. It said the information presented by the senders was false and deceptive. Therefore, the publication will not accept any legal responsibility or financial liability linked to those messages.

The company explained that its journalists follow Chinese laws and regulations when conducting interviews or preparing news reports. Reporters also contact companies through verified and official communication channels. Any request sent through an unofficial email address should not be treated as a genuine media inquiry from China Business Journal. The statement gives businesses a clear way to separate legitimate reporting activity from attempts to obtain Bitcoin through threats.

Companies Urged Not to Pay Bitcoin Demands

China Business Journal advised companies to remain cautious if they receive emails containing similar claims or payment demands. Businesses should not send Bitcoin or other assets before confirming the sender’s identity through the publication’s official channels. Recipients should also preserve all available evidence. Relevant records may include email screenshots, the sender’s address, payment instructions, Bitcoin wallet details, and any threats included in the message.

The publication urged affected companies to report the case to their local public security authorities immediately. Preserving the original messages could help investigators examine the source of the emails and any payment information connected to the scheme.

Businesses should verify suspicious messages only through China Business Journal’s official channels. The publication also said it would not accept responsibility for losses caused by trusting false or unauthorized information.

Publication Reserves Right to Pursue Legal Action

China Business Journal said the impersonation had harmed its brand image and commercial reputation. The scheme had also violated the lawful rights of companies that received the threatening messages. The publication demanded that those responsible immediately stop using its name for fraud, extortion or other illegal conduct. It has started following the case closely and collecting related evidence.

China Business Journal also reserved the right to pursue both civil and criminal liability through legal channels. Any individual found using the company’s identity for fraud or extortion could face further action.