Dutch Man Arrested for Extorting Police Over Data Leak
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A 40-year-old man in Ridderkerk, Netherlands, faces arrest for computer hacking after demanding a reward for confidential police files he downloaded by mistake. Dutch police grabbed him Thursday evening at his Prinses Beatrixstraat home and seized storage devices.
The trouble started February 12, 2026. The man tipped police about images linked to an investigation. An officer sent the wrong link by error. Instead of an upload tool, he shared a download for sensitive documents.
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Police told him to delete the files and stop accessing them. He refused unless they offered “something in return.” That refusal broke Dutch computer trespass laws.
Dutch police released details Monday. They explain: “If you receive a download link, while you know that you should get an upload link, it is clearly said that it is not downloaded and chooses to download the files anyway, then you may be guilty of computer trespassing.”- Full press release
DataBreaches.net broke the story first. They note the man kept files despite clear instructions. No signs he shared them further.
Police reported their own mistake as a data breach. They follow protocol even with no wider leak found.
Legal Context
Dutch law requires reporting misdirected confidential data. Recipients must not access, keep, or use such files. Knowingly downloading wrong links counts as trespass.
The arrest happened fast after his demand. Investigation checks for distribution or other misuse.
Incident Timeline
- Feb 12: Man contacts police with tip; gets wrong download link.
- Immediate: Downloads confidential files.
- Follow-up: Police demand deletion; he seeks reward.
- Thursday: Arrest at home, devices seized.
- Monday: Public statement released.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Prinses Beatrixstraat, Ridderkerk |
| Age | 40-year-old male |
| Charge | Computer trespass (computervredebreuk) |
| Data Status | Seized; no further distribution found |
| Police Action | Data breach protocol followed |
- No evidence of file sharing beyond suspect.
- Probe continues for full recovery.
Public Guidance
Police stress legal duties on errors. Report mistakes right away. Delete unintended files at once. Never demand payment or access extras.
This case shows quick response limits damage from human slips.
FAQ
Officer sent download link instead of upload on Feb 12, 2026.
Downloaded files knowingly, refused deletion without reward. Counts as trespass.
No evidence found; devices seized for check.
Dutch computervredebreuk for unauthorized access of misdirected confidential data.
Report error, delete files, do not access.Â
No, ongoing to recover all data and check misuse.
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