Dutch police infiltrate Telegram groups and arrest four people for illegal data trading

Dutch police arrested four people for selling stolen personal information through Telegram groups and confiscated devices and firearms in raids. The investigation aims to disrupt illegal data trading networks linked to identity theft and fraud.

After a comprehensive investigation into illegal data trafficking, Dutch police have arrested four people for selling stolen personal data within Telegram groups. Authorities warn that such data sales often lead to further criminal activity.

Dutch police have arrested four people in connection with the illegal sale of personal data within various Telegram groups. The arrests came in recent days as part of a larger effort to disrupt illegal data trading networks operating 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 of no fixed address.

Authorities said the suspects sold personal information, including names, dates of birth, phone numbers, bank details and home addresses, obtained through data theft, hacking or corporate data breaches.

Police warned that such data can lead to other forms of crime, as criminals use it to impersonate bank employees or exploit vulnerable people, especially the elderly.

During the raids, police officers confiscated several data storage devices and seized three firearms. The investigation is now focused on finding out how and where the stolen data came from. Police also hinted that more arrests could follow as they continue to monitor and infiltrate these Telegram groups.

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

Telegram’s problematic relationship with authorities and user exodus

Telegram, long known for its commitment to privacy, is in a difficult position following the arrest of its founder Pavel Durov in France in August 2024. 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 the 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 and some have decided to leave the app. Former long-term users are now moving to other, more secure platforms because they fear that Telegram’s cooperation with authorities runs counter to the privacy-focused service they once trusted.

The policy change, which aims to share data with authorities to combat serious crimes such as data breaches, data leaks and CSAM, was welcomed by many as a positive step in tackling illegal activities. But it has also raised concerns among whistleblowers, journalists and privacy-minded users who rely on platforms like Telegram to remain anonymous for legitimate reasons. These people fear the change could jeopardize their privacy, which could lead some to seek safer alternatives.

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