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Swiss police thwart 'eco-anarcho terror' attack on IBM

Balmer tightlipped on 'nano bomb plot'

IBM has been allegedly targeted by a group of Italian eco-terrorists intent on bombing a planned nano-technology centre in Switzerland.

Police in Switzerland apparently foiled the attack by members of Italian eco-anarchist group Il Silvestre when they stopped a car a few miles from the target on April 15.

Officers allegedly found a primed device when they searched the vehicle, the Daily Mail reports. According to the Mail, police said "A large quantity of explosives was found."

Constantino Ragusa and Silivia Guerini, both Italian, and Italian-Swiss Luca Bernasconi were arrested, and are being held in jail. Guerini and Constantini both have previous form for eco-terror offences, the Mail reports.

Prosecutors believe the three were thought to be en route to IBM's nano-technology research centre near Zurich. The company is also thought to be planning to carry out bio-tech research there.

According to the New York Times, prosecution spokeswoman Jeannette Balmer refused to confirm the names of the three or speculate on their motives.

However, Il Silvestre has an green anarchist agenda, including opposition to all forms of micro-technology, nuclear technology and weapons.

It apparently began in Tuscany, and has a rigid cell structure. Members have been previously accused of direct actions including arson and targeting both right wing politicians and electricity pylons.

Despite the group's opposition to technology, supporters appear happy to take to the internet to back up the organisation.

IBM said in a statement, "IBM has been notified by Swiss police authorities about an investigation and is co-operating accordingly." ®

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