Two Dutch teenagers arrested in spying case linked to Russia
Pro-Russian hackers allegedly contacted the youths via Telegram; one suspect walked near Europol and Eurojust offices with a wi‑fi sniffer.
Two 17-year-old boys in the Netherlands have been arrested on suspicion of state interference in a case with reported links to Russian spying, prosecutors said. The suspects were allegedly contacted by pro-Russian hackers on Telegram, Dutch media reported.
One of the youths allegedly walked past the offices of Europol, Eurojust and the Canadian embassy in The Hague while carrying a device described as a 'wi-fi sniffer'—a tool designed to identify and intercept nearby networks. The two appeared before a judge on Thursday, with one remanded in detention and the other on strict home bail; a hearing is due within two weeks.
A father told Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf that police arrested his son Monday afternoon while he was doing his homework. Police did not publicly identify the charges beyond 'state interference' in the Netherlands in connection with the investigation.
The case comes amid broader concerns about foreign interference and cyber activity linked to Russia; Dutch authorities have warned about pro-Russian hacking groups seeking to influence or recruit individuals for intelligence work. The investigation remains ongoing, and prosecutors said more details will be provided at the upcoming hearing.