Dutch authorities have announced the arrest of two teenage boys, both 17, on suspicion of spying for pro-Russian hackers. The boys were allegedly contacted and recruited by the hackers through Telegram, a messaging platform frequently used by cybercriminals and state-sponsored groups.
According to local media, one of the teens was reportedly seen near the headquarters of Europol and Eurojust, as well as the Canadian embassy, while carrying a Wi-Fi sniffer. This device is typically used to map out Wi-Fi networks and intercept digital data. Prosecutors confirmed the arrests, stating the teens are suspected of having links to “government-sponsored interference.”
One of the boys has since been released on home bail and is wearing an ankle monitor, while the other remains in custody awaiting a hearing set to take place within two weeks. Media reports indicate that the teen still detained was arrested while doing his homework. Investigators executed a search warrant and seized electronic equipment from his home. The boy's father described him as a heavy gamer and computer savvy, with a strong interest in hacking.
These arrests follow similar incidents recently reported in Germany and Ukraine. In those cases, Russian threat actors allegedly lured teenagers into performing minor acts of vandalism against official buildings or filming sensitive government infrastructure.
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