Earlier this year, Tushar Sen, an independent researcher based in New Delhi, submitted a manuscript to Security and Privacy about the modeling of polymorphic malware. On May 15, 2026 a purported reviewer for the journal wrote Sen indicating he received the article, but that it was not ready for publication. 

“I may revise it with you but you should follow paid review for my efforts,” the email read. “I may finalise it in one week and I will recommend acceptance as a final decision.” Sen, a cybersecurity researcher, believed the writer was attempting to extort money from him in exchange for recommending acceptance of his submission. He did not respond, but continued to receive more emails from the individual about the proposal. In a May 20, 2026 email, the person wrote they were “still awaiting” Sen’s response before “i submit rejection to the journal.” On May 23, 2026 the purported reviewer wrote, “I recommended the rejection decision” and “Gud (sic) luck.”

Wiley, which publishes the journal, told Retraction Watch they are investigating Sen’s claims and may take action if the complaint proves valid.

Source https://retractionwatch.com/2026/07/20/publisher-investigating-peer-reviewer-for-alleged-bribery-scheme/

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