The Netherlands' Public Prosecution Service (Openbaar Ministerie, OM) has announced that three 17-year-old males are suspected of providing services to a foreign government, with one of them allegedly in contact with a hacker group affiliated with the Russian state.
According to the OM, the main suspect instructed the other two minors to map Wi-Fi networks across The Hague on multiple occasions. The collected data was then shared with the foreign client in exchange for payment. Authorities believe the information could potentially be used for cyberespionage or to facilitate cyber attacks.
The case came to light following an official report from the Military Intelligence and Security Service (MIVD), prompting a criminal investigation. Two of the suspects were arrested in September 2025. One was placed in a juvenile detention center while the other was put under house arrest.
On October 8, the court reviewed their pre-trial detention in a closed session. It ruled that the suspect in juvenile detention would remain under house arrest until October 27, after which he may await further investigation at home under less restrictive conditions. The second suspect was released from house arrest on October 8, though he remains subject to conditions.
A third teen, believed to have played a limited role in the case, was recently questioned by police. His data devices were seized, but he has not been arrested.
Due to the suspects’ age, the OM has limited the release of further details. However, it has confirmed that there is no evidence suggesting that others close to the suspects were involved or that the main suspect was pressured by the foreign hacker group. The investigation is ongoing.