Amsterdam. An estimated 2.5 million people in the Netherlands fell victim to cybercrime, online fraud, deception or intimidation in 2025, according to a new report by Dutch police and prosecutors. The report warns that cybercriminal networks are becoming increasingly organised, international and technically capable, making the threat harder to contain.
The biennial Cybercrimebeeld Nederland report says cybercriminals are increasingly operating across borders and working with specialists who can provide technical expertise for a fee. Ready-made hacking tools, stolen data and cybercrime services have lowered the technical barrier for criminals, allowing even less-skilled offenders to carry out sophisticated attacks.
Stolen Data Used to Target Victims
Dutch national cybercrime prosecutor Christa de Pagter said criminals are combining information obtained in earlier data breaches with newly stolen data to make their attacks more convincing and targeted.
Fraudsters often impersonate banks, financial institutions or cryptocurrency platforms to contact victims. They then create a sense of urgency and pressure people into transferring money or disclosing banking credentials and other sensitive information.
The use of previously stolen personal information can make such scams appear more credible because criminals may already know details about their intended victims.
Growing Link Between Cybercrime and National Security
The report also highlights the increasing involvement of state-linked actors in cyber operations. According to the findings, criminal groups can sometimes be used as proxies by governments, with states potentially providing direction, funding or technical infrastructure.
This development is making it increasingly difficult to distinguish conventional cybercrime from attacks linked to national security and hybrid warfare.
The report refers to the arrest in May of two men in the Netherlands in connection with servers allegedly used for Russian-linked cyberattacks. It also mentions two 17-year-olds who were detained last year after allegedly mapping Wi-Fi networks around government buildings in The Hague.
Children Being Drawn Into Cybercrime Through Online Games
Police are also concerned about the emergence of a younger generation of Western cybercriminals. Police cybercrime lead Stan Duijf said those involved in these networks can range from 11 to 25 years old.
Unlike some earlier cybercriminal groups driven by ideology, many young offenders are reportedly motivated by money, status and recognition. They often operate through loose online networks and specialise in activities such as data and cryptocurrency theft.
Children can be introduced to these networks through online games and chat rooms. Platforms associated with popular games such as Roblox, Fortnite and Minecraft can provide opportunities for criminals to establish contact with young users and gradually encourage them to participate in unlawful activities.
What may begin as minor mischief can, in some cases, develop into serious cybercrime, according to the report.
6.2 Million Customers Affected in Odido Attack
The report highlights the cyberattack on telecommunications company Odido as a major example of the scale of the threat. Police believe a Dutch group operating under the name ShinyHunters was behind the attack, which exposed the data of approximately 6.2 million customers.
The attackers demanded a ransom of €1 million, equivalent to around ₹10 crore. The company refused to pay the ransom.
The incident underlines the growing value of large databases to cybercriminals and the potential consequences when customer information is compromised on a large scale.
AI Described as a Catalyst for Cybercrime
The report describes artificial intelligence as a “catalyst” for cybercrime rather than a technology that fundamentally changes its nature. AI can significantly increase the speed and scale of criminal operations while making fraudulent messages more convincing.
Criminals can use AI to generate large numbers of scam emails and other deceptive communications in a short period. Improved language and presentation can make such messages more difficult for victims to distinguish from legitimate correspondence.
Dutch police and prosecutors warn that tackling cybercrime will require more than stronger technical security. Authorities will need to address the use of stolen data, international criminal networks, the recruitment of young people through online platforms and the growing use of artificial intelligence in fraud.
The report indicates that cybercrime is no longer only a technical threat. It increasingly poses risks to individuals, businesses and national security, with criminals adopting faster, more sophisticated and increasingly international methods.
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About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
