Letter Bomb at IMF’s Paris Office Injures Woman Employee

Letter Bomb at IMF’s Paris Office Injures Woman Employee
Police outside the International Monetary Fund (IMF) offices where an envelope exploded in Paris, France on March 16, 2017. REUTERS/Philippe Wojazer
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PARIS—A female employee of the International Monetary Fund suffered injuries to her face and arms on Thursday when a letter bomb addressed to the world lender’s European representative blew up as she opened it, police said.

The letter, which had arrived by mail, exploded as it was opened by a secretary at the institution’s office in an upscale part of Paris.

The secretary, whose hearing was also affected, was receiving treatment but her injuries were not life-threatening, Paris police chief Michel Cadot told reporters. The blast caused little damage to the office.

The letter was intended for the IMF’s European representative, according to police. Jeffrey Franks, a 24-year veteran of the fund, has been director of the IMF’s Europe office since March 2015, according to its website.

Paris anti-terrorism prosecutors opened an investigation.

The explosion was caused by a device that was fairly home-made, “like a big fire cracker,” Cadot said.

Members of the scientific Police leave the International Monetary Fund (IMF) offices where an envelope exploded in Paris, France on March 16, 2017. (REUTERS/Christian Hartmann)
Members of the scientific Police leave the International Monetary Fund (IMF) offices where an envelope exploded in Paris, France on March 16, 2017. REUTERS/Christian Hartmann