The idea of transporting boot in a mechanised and booby-trapped suitcase was already explored in the 60s in one the episodes of The Avengers. Now, it is for real.

Belgium is to introduce 'intelligent' briefcases programmed to destroy large sums of cash in the event of a robbery. According to Expatica a royal decree has been passed which would see the introduction of the briefcases by 1 January 2009. However, interior minister Patrick Dewael would like to see the technology introduced much sooner, preberably as soon as 2007.

Belgium recently saw in increase of attacks on security firms transporting money. By destroying the contents of the briefcases, security firms hope to deter robbers. Secure transport firm Brink's and Group 4 Securitas have asked the Belgian government to help them finance the introduction of the briefcases.

A couple of years ago British intelligence officers said they had ordered briefcases that would protect national secrets by automatically destroying the contents of lost laptops' hard drives. ®