Job offer for Internet virus suspect

AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands -- The 20-year-old man charged with spreading the Anna Kournikova computer virus is being head-hunted for a job.

The man, who posted a letter on the Internet saying he created the virus, was arrested last week in the northern town of Sneek after turning himself in.

"This is clearly a capable young man. We can use people like him in our computer department," ANP news agency quoted the mayor of Sneek as saying.

The virus, disguised as a digital photo of the Russian tennis star, e-mailed itself around the world, slowing electronic mail systems and causing some servers to be shut down.

The man has not been seen since police released him on Wednesday pending a court appearance, but the mayor said he would invite him for a "serious interview" if he contacted the town council, ANP said.

"First he will have to finish his studies, of course," the mayor said.

He was arrested on suspicion of damaging computer programmes and property -- offences which carry a maximum four-year jail sentence.

Police said the man was shocked at the damage caused by the virus and told them it was not his intention

The Netherlands have a computer misuse law but it is uncertain whether it can be applied in this case.

Nor is it likely that the Dutch courts will permit the man to be handed over to the United States, where most of the virus' damage was done.

Reuters contributed to this report.

Kournikova virus suspect arrested
February 14, 2001
Kournikova virus slams U.S., Europe, misses Asia
February 13, 2001
New e-mail virus preys on Anna Kournikova fans
February 12, 2001

Computer Associates International
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