An international cybercrime network responsible for stealing millions of euros across at least ten European countries has been dismantled in a joint operation by the Rotterdam Police Cybercrime Team and the Belgian police.
The sophisticated criminal group employed phishing schemes and bank helpdesk fraud to exploit vulnerable victims, with call centers set up in luxury residential towers and Airbnb properties.
Coordinated Raids and Arrests
On Tuesday, December 3, police conducted coordinated raids in multiple Dutch cities, including Zaltbommel, Almere, Amersfoort, ‘s-Hertogenbosch, and Rotterdam. The operation resulted in the arrest of four suspects: three men and a woman, aged 23 to 66.
Authorities seized data carriers, telecommunication devices, large sums of cash, designer clothing, expensive watches, and other high-value items, underscoring the lavish lifestyles funded by their criminal activity.
While three suspects remain in custody, the 66-year-old woman was released but remains a suspect in the case.
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Belgian authorities arrested five additional suspects, one of whom is set to be extradited to the Netherlands via an international arrest warrant.
The Dutch Public Prosecution Service confirmed that victims across Europe were targeted, using fraudulent emails, text messages, and WhatsApp communications to lure them into providing sensitive financial information.
The group allegedly utilized phishing links to redirect victims to fake banking websites, where their personal and financial data were stolen. Posing as “anti-fraud team” or “bank employees,” the suspects manipulated victims into believing their accounts had been compromised.
In reality, these “helpful” fraudsters emptied the accounts instead, stealing millions of euros.“The suspects called victims from luxury Airbnb locations and operated lavish call centers.
They left victims heartbroken and destitute,” stated Jacqueline Bonnes, public prosecutor in Rotterdam.
The stolen funds were used to finance extravagant lifestyles. According to Jan van der Linden, Cybercrime Team Leader, the suspects flaunted their wealth on social media, posing with celebrities, designer clothes, luxury cars, and exotic vacations.
“These fraudsters showed no compassion. They manipulated people, cursing them when scams didn’t succeed. Victims, including vulnerable elderly individuals, were left emotionally and financially devastated,” he said.
In response to the growing allure of cybercrime—particularly among young people—the Dutch police have launched an awareness campaign titled “Selfmade? Cellmate!” The campaign, featured on social media platforms like YouTube, Snapchat, and TikTok, aims to deter youth from glamorizing cybercrime.
“Criminal influencers glorify this lifestyle, but the reality is that victims suffer deeply. We must remind everyone: what if the victim is your mother?” said Ruben van Well, Cybercrime Team Account Manager.
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