Is Benny heading for the Slammer?

"Its a bull****! I was not arrested, I was just interviewed by police (sic)," said the former member of virus writing group 29A, in response to anti-virus firm Kaspersky's weblog.

The online diary claimed another member of 29A, "Ratter," was also detained. Benny refuted that too.

"And Ratter? How do you know he was also interviewed by police? It's another bull**** (sic)," said Benny.

The outburst comes after a troubled month for 29A. Benny's departure for a more legitimate career with Czech firm Zoner Software preceded the formal withdrawal of another member, dis69.

Increased legislation and a spate of cybercrime prosecutions have threatened the existence of such groups.

"People are leaving now," said Graham Cluley senior technology consultant at anti-virus firm Sophos. "The kitchen is getting too hot for some of these guys. These amateur virus writers are asking themselves whether its really worth it anymore."

Two high profile cases against virus writers are soon to reach court. "Gigabyte" and Sven Jaschen, alleged author of the Netsky worm, will find out whether they are to be punished early next year.

www.viruslist.com/en/weblog
www.sophos.com