In the Russia investigation, the suspects include a Russian software developer and a Dutch lawyer connected to the Amsterdam-based Itglobal. They are suspected of involvement in supplying prohibited IT services and advanced technology that reached Russia via third countries.
Russian espionage
The company is linked in the investigation to the Russian ITG group and Dmitry Gachko. He was placed on the European sanctions list in July due to his involvement in developing technology for the Russian surveillance system Sorm, which can monitor telephone and internet communication.
That surveillance system is connected to the Russian security service FSB. The technology has been used to monitor, among others, journalists, opposition members, and other citizens. The Dutch investigation focuses on whether European sanctions were violated by making technology and services available to Russia nonetheless.
Promotion
ShinyHunters
In a separate investigation, the Dutch police on September 15 arrested a 24-year-old resident of Amsterdam suspected of involvement with ShinyHunters. This internationally operating group is held responsible for extensive data theft and digital extortion and has claimed computer intrusions in the Netherlands as well.
Notably, the suspect has a past criminal record. He was previously convicted for data theft and extortion, then started working in cybersecurity and since presented himself as a reformed hacker who had turned his life around. He is now again suspected of involvement in serious cybercrime.
FBI
After his arrest, ShinyHunters claimed to have hacked FBI systems. The group says it has obtained sensitive information from FBI employees and applicants. This allegedly includes names, job titles, addresses, and phone numbers. The group then contacted journalists themselves to show samples of the stolen information.
The FBI and Dutch police are collaborating on the investigation. The U.S. federal agency has publicly urged remaining ShinyHunters members to surrender. According to the FBI, arrests and seized digital equipment could provide investigators with new information about other individuals involved.
Contracted murder
The Amsterdam resident is also suspected of attempting to instigate two murders abroad. According to Dutch police, information about this was found on his laptop. That allegation is separate from the investigation into ShinyHunters. Dutch investigators are examining the seized material and do not rule out further arrests.