New suspects in Love Bug virus

Relatives of the man arrested in connection with the Love Bug have accused his girlfriend's sister of creating the virus.

Reomel Ramones was arrested by police in the Philippines on Monday suspected of developing the virus. There has been some confusion over whether any computer equipment was found at his home.

Police are still waiting to interview Ramones' live-in girlfriend, Irene de Guzman, but according to reports, Ramones' relatives have suggested that the culprit is his girlfriend's sister, who also lives with the couple.

Ramones' sister is not the only suspect in the case, according to reports this morning which suggest that up to 10 people may be involved.

The sister recently graduated in computer engineering from the Philippines' Amable Mendoza Aguiluz Computer College, which has been referred to in another program that steals network passwords.

The so-called Love Bug virus, which wreaked havoc around the globe last Thursday, was sent as an attachment within emails entitled 'ILOVEYOU'. Once opened, the virus directed victims' computers to four websites run by a Philippines company called Sky Internet.

There, a separate piece of software called WIN-BUGSFIX, launched itself and stole network passwords using Barok, a program popular among hackers. Barok was created by someone who goes under the name of Spyder, the same one that appears on the Love Bug infected emails.

Local investigators said Ramones has "opted to remain silent".