Russia recruiting teens in the Netherlands for espionage, 2 arrested
Illustrative photo: Two teenagers detained in the Netherlands (Getty Images)
In the Netherlands, police detained two 17-year-old boys suspected of gathering information in The Hague on behalf of a pro-Russian hacker who recruited them via Telegram, De Telegraaf reports.
According to the prosecutor's office, in August, one of the teenagers walked past Europol, Eurojust, and the Canadian embassy with a device that allows him to detect networks and even intercept data.
Investigators believe that the teenagers may have been working for Russian intelligence and that contact with them was established via Telegram.
The arrests took place after the Dutch intelligence and security service was notified. This is the first case in the country where minors are suspected of involvement in espionage.
One of the boys remains in custody for another 14 days, while the other has been placed under house arrest with an electronic bracelet.
The prosecutor's office confirmed the arrests but declined to provide details due to the age of the suspects and the importance of the investigation.
Since May, the Netherlands has had a stricter law against foreign interference, which provides for up to eight years in prison.
Experts call this case unique for the country and warn that Russia actively uses disposable agents who are recruited anonymously through social networks.
Meanwhile, the parents of one of the suspects said they were shocked by the arrest and had no idea their son could be involved in espionage.
Russian spies in Europe
Earlier, Austria uncovered a Russian spy network working to discredit Ukraine.
In the UK, a Kremlin spy operation targeting renowned investigative journalist Christo Grozev of Bellingcat was uncovered.
For more details on how the Kremlin expanded its network of agents after the start of the war, read the article by RBC-Ukraine.
