Attorney targeted by cyberattack after representing explosions suspect
Prominent attorney Gerard Spong was targeted by a cyberattack allegedly linked to his representation of a suspect in the deadly explosions at a residential building in The Hague’s Tarwekamp neighborhood.
According to Spong, the attack occurred late Friday evening. “I received an email threatening that my representation of the suspect would have consequences and that a hacker group would be deployed,” Spong told NOS. Shortly afterward, more than 10,000 emails flooded his inbox within minutes.
Spong described the incident as “very unpleasant” and said it was the first time his computer network had been targeted in such a way. "Of course, I have faced personal threats before, but this is a new level," he said, noting that he had not reviewed the emails due to the sheer volume and late hour.
The Dutch Public Prosecution Service (OM) confirmed that Spong filed a formal complaint and stated it is taking the matter seriously. "We are investigating the situation and have been in contact with Mr. Spong," an OM spokesperson said.
Spong is representing a 33-year-old suspect from Rotterdam, one of four men arrested in connection with the December 7 explosions that destroyed a residential building, killing six people and injuring four others. According to NOS, the suspects include two men from Roosendaal, aged 23 and 29, and a 33-year-old from Oosterhout.
Prosecutors have accused the suspects of arson, causing a fatal explosion, and torching a nearby vehicle. Investigators believe the men had made prior preparations for the attack, which reportedly targeted a bridal shop located on the building’s ground floor.
The suspects remain in custody under strict conditions, with their pretrial detention recently extended by 14 days. Spong, along with other attorneys and the prosecutor, visited the blast site earlier this week as part of the ongoing investigation.
Despite the disruption, Spong credits his IT advisor and spam filters for mitigating the attack. "They resolved the issue quickly," he said.
