BOSTON -- Ten more names have been released as "persons of interest" in the ongoing Boston terror probe sparked Wednesday by an anonymous tip from Mexico to California.
NewsCenter 5's Rhondella Richardson reported that nine of the additional names are individuals of Chinese origin but there is little background information on them.
Unlike the last round of names, which included four Chinese nationals and two Iraqis, these came with no photographs. But just as it did earlier in the week, the FBI is stressing there's still no credible evidence of a terror plot.
In the city, vehicles continued to be searched at underground parking garages Thursday as the FBI, in posting the 10 new names on its Web site, does have something more in the way of motive.
The unidentified caller from Mexico who prompted the investigation Wednesday also mentioned the name of a man under investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Investigators reportedly suspect that the tipster was wronged in either a smuggling or drug operation and is seeking revenge. There is speculation that the caller from Mexico prompted a terror threat to put heat on the individuals he named.
"If I were to speculate in this wide range of speculation -- could it be a hoax? Certainly. That is a possibility," U.S. Attorney Michael Sullivan said.
Sullivan said officials are still searching for the original four Chinese nationals for questioning.
"In terms of the whereabouts of the four individuals, we are not certain where they are. We can’t say for certain that they are in the country. We do have an interest in identifying them, locating them and questioning them. They are not wanted at this point in time for any crimes. There is no evidence at this point in time that they committed any crimes," Sullivan said.
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