Dutch Police Infiltrate Telegram Groups, Arrest 4 for Illegal Data Trading

Dutch police arrested four individuals for selling stolen personal data via Telegram groups, seizing devices and firearms in raids. The investigation aims to disrupt illegal data trading networks tied to identity theft and fraud.

Dutch police arrested four individuals for selling stolen personal data within Telegram groups, following a major investigation into illegal data trading. Authorities warn that such data sales often lead to further criminal activities.

The Dutch police have arrested four individuals in connection with the illegal sale of personal data within various Telegram groups. The arrests were made in recent days as part of a larger effort to disrupt illegal data trading networks that operate within the popular messaging platform.

Those detained include 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 without a fixed residence.

According to authorities, the suspects are believed to have sold personal information, including names, dates of birth, phone numbers, bank details, and home addresses, obtained through data theft, hacking, or company data breaches.

The police warned that such data can lead to other forms of crime, as criminals use it to impersonate bank employees or exploit vulnerable individuals, particularly the elderly.

During the raids, law enforcement officials confiscated several data storage devices and uncovered three firearms. The investigation is now focused on determining how and where the stolen data originated. Police also hinted that more arrests could follow, as they continue to monitor and infiltrate these Telegram groups.

To further demonstrate their presence online, the police have left messages in both public and private Telegram groups, warning members about the legal consequences of data trading. “Maybe we noticed your nickname too, and we’ll see you soon!” reads one of their warnings, reinforcing their commitment to combating cybercrime.

Message left by Dutch Police

Telegram’s Troubled Relationship with Authorities and User Exodus

Telegram, long known for its commitment to privacy, has found itself in a difficult position following the August 2024 arrest of its founder, Pavel Durov, in France. Durov, an advocate for user privacy, had previously resisted government pressure to share user data; however, in September 20224, Telegram quietly updated its privacy policy to allow sharing of users’ IP addresses and phone numbers with authorities in response to valid legal requests.

The policy change has raised suspicion among many users, with some deciding to leave the app. Former long-time users are now switching to other, more secure platforms, worried that Telegram’s cooperation with authorities goes against the privacy-focused service they once trusted.

The policy change, aimed at sharing data with authorities to combat serious crimes like data breaches, leaks, and CSAM, has been welcomed by many as a positive step in tackling illegal activity. However, it has also raised concerns among whistleblowers, journalists, and privacy-focused users who rely on platforms like Telegram to remain anonymous for legitimate reasons. These individuals worry that the change could put their privacy at risk, leading some to seek more secure alternatives.

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