Dutch teens arrested for spying on behalf of pro-Russian hackers

Dutch police arrested two 17-year-olds suspected of spying for pro-Russian hackers, with one remaining in custody and the other released on home bail. The arrests followed a tip from Dutch intelligence (AIVD) on Monday, according to NL times. Prosecutors say the teenagers were recruited via Telegram by pro-Russian hackers to carry a Wi‑Fi sniffer near EU buildings in The Hague. A prosecution spokesperson, Brechtje van de Moosdijk, said the suspicions are linked to government-sponsored interference.

One boy’s father confirmed they were allegedly recruited to spy in The Hague near Europol, Eurojust, and embassies using a data-sniffing device. Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof described the activity as part of Russia’s hybrid attacks on Europe and warned it was alarming that children were being exploited in such operations. The pair faced an examining judge on Thursday, with a closed-door follow-up hearing scheduled in two weeks.