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Three Dutch Teens Involved in Russian Cyber Espionage Probe

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4 unique sources, 4 articles

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Three Dutch teenagers, aged 17, are suspected of providing services to a foreign power, with one having ties to a Russian-government affiliated hacker group. One of the suspects instructed the others to map WiFi networks in The Hague for digital espionage and cyber-attacks. The investigation, led by the State Interference Team of the National Investigation and Interventions Unit, began after a report from the Military Intelligence and Security Service (MIVD). The first two suspects were arrested on September 22, while a third suspect was interviewed and had data devices confiscated but was not arrested due to his limited role. The Netherlands updated its Criminal Code in May 2025 to include penalties for digital espionage, with a maximum sentence of eight years, extendable to 12 years in serious cases. On September 23, 2025, two Dutch teenagers were arrested for attempting to spy on Europol and other targets in The Hague using WiFi sniffer devices. The teens were recruited via Telegram and were acting on behalf of Russian interests. The incident involved reconnaissance activities near Europol, Eurojust, and the Canadian embassy. Europol confirmed the incident but stated there were no signs of a compromise on their systems. One of the teens was placed on home bail with an ankle monitor, while the other remained in custody. Investigators seized electronic equipment from the teen's home. The teen's father reported that his son has a part-time job, is a heavy gamer, and is computer savvy with a fascination for hacking. Similar incidents involving individuals recruited by Russian hackers were recently reported in Germany and Ukraine. Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof noted that the incident fits a pattern of a type of hybrid attack conducted by Russia against Europe. The news illustrates what may be a rising trend of Russian threat actors utilizing the youth of foreign countries to do their dirty work. The alleged use of a simple Wi-Fi sniffer emphasizes how nation-state actors can outsource reconnaissance to impressionable youth via social media, propaganda, and ultimately shield themselves from attribution.

Timeline

  1. 17.10.2025 17:45 1 articles · 23h ago

    Third Teenager Interviewed and Devices Confiscated

    A third suspect, also a minor, was recently interviewed by the police and had data carrying devices confiscated. This person was not arrested because of his 'limited role' in the case.

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  2. 27.09.2025 17:17 4 articles · 21d ago

    Dutch Teens Arrested for Attempting to Spy on Europol for Russia

    The investigation is being conducted by the State Interference Team of the National Investigation and Interventions Unit. It started after an official report from the Military Intelligence and Security Service (MIVD). The first two suspects were arrested on September 22. A third suspect, also a minor, was recently interviewed by the police, and had data carrying devices confiscated. This person was not arrested because of his 'limited role' in the case. The Netherlands updated its Criminal Code in May 2025 to include penalties for digital espionage, with a maximum sentence of eight years, extendable to 12 years in serious cases.

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Information Snippets

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