Dutch Police Storm Telegram: Data Sellers Arrested, Firearms Seized

The Dutch law enforcement authorities conducted a series of raids and arrested four individuals suspected of selling personal data through Telegram groups. During the operation, data storage devices and firearms were seized. The investigation is focused on curbing the illegal data trade associated with fraud and identity theft.

Among those arrested are a 26-year-old man and a 20-year-old woman from Leeuwarden, a 28-year-old man from Maarssen, and a 31-year-old man with no fixed address. According to police, the detainees sold personal data, including names, dates of birth, bank details, and addresses, obtained through hacks or data breaches from companies.

The police warn that such data is often used to deceive citizens, with criminals frequently posing as bank employees or targeting vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly.

During the raids, law enforcement officers discovered three firearms. The investigation is ongoing, with special attention given to identifying the sources of the data leaks. The police have also stated that further arrests are possible as monitoring of Telegram groups continues.

To strengthen their presence on Telegram, the police are leaving messages in public and private groups, warning about the consequences of illegal data trading. One such message reads: “We may have already spotted your username—see you soon!”

This operation coincides with a turbulent time for Telegram following the arrest of its founder, Pavel Durov, in France in August 2024. Telegram, known for its focus on privacy, changed its privacy policy in September, starting to provide user IP addresses and phone numbers upon requests from authorities.

These changes have sparked controversy among users. Some have welcomed the new measures as a step toward combating serious crimes such as data breaches and child exploitation. However, journalists, human rights activists, and other users valuing anonymity have begun seeking more secure platforms, fearing for their privacy.