A €50,000 bomb threat at a gas station in Albania’s northeastern Dibër region triggered a police response on Friday, but authorities later determined that the alleged explosive device was a fake.

A 21-year-old man was arrested within hours after allegedly placing a box fitted with a screen, wires and electronic components at the gas station, making it appear to be a remotely controlled explosive device, according to Albanian police.

The suspect allegedly left a threatening note demanding €50,000 in cryptocurrency. The message reportedly warned that the device would be detonated if the money was not paid within a specified deadline, if the box was moved, or if police or other people were alerted.

The note also allegedly claimed that the box contained C4 explosives, motion sensors and a remote-control mechanism, and that the surrounding area was being monitored by cameras.

Police and specialized bomb-disposal personnel from Albania's RENEA special intervention unit examined and opened the box. They confirmed that it contained no explosive material.

Authorities said the incident took place at around 2:30 p.m. on October 2, when the suspect allegedly left the device at a gas station owned by a man identified by police only by his initials, Z. Sh.

Police said the suspect, identified by the initials E. K., was arrested on suspicion of extortion through threats or violence to obtain property.

The arrest was part of a police operation codenamed “Threat”, carried out by officers from the Dibër Police Station, the Serious Crimes Investigation Sector and operational units of the Dibër Local Police Directorate.