An Australian schoolgirl has just undergone an attempted extortion - she was attacked in her home and an explosive collar fixed on her neck which could not be removed safely - she was confined to her house while experts worked on the problem eventually removing it - it was then found to be benign - no explosives at all.
Apparently this is related to an incident in the book Taipan from which the idea probably came. No arrests yet but progress is being made - the book also happens to be required or recommended reading at a nearby high school