A new scandal may be looming in the scientific world over the policies of academic journals; at least its outlines are already visible

A new scandal may be looming in the scientific world over the policies of academic journals; at least its outlines are already visible. Tushar Sen, an Indian software researcher, reports that a reviewer for a major journal extorted money from him in exchange for a favourable report. The paper, on the modelling of polymorphic malware, was not ready, the reviewer said, but for a fee he was prepared to see it through to acceptance. The author ignored the letter, and a week later received a second one, stating that the same person had recommended rejecting the work, with a parting "good luck". That very day he received a formal rejection from the journal itself. So far, those investigating the affair have established that the reviewer's email address does not match any of the invited reviewers. Then again, the letters could have been sent from any mailbox whatever. The trail points to a certain Sobhan Sobhan Allah, who describes himself as a Palestinian researcher in mathematics and astronomy, but none of his academic affiliations can be confirmed, and the official email address goes unanswered. Despite the many gaps, it is evident that an attempt at extortion did take place. I expect that the identities of the extortionists themselves will soon be established beyond doubt.