Spy agencies: Russian group behind Dutch police hack sought Ukraine military info
A previously unidentified Russian cyber group called Laundry Bear was behind a major hacking attack on Dutch police in September 2024, in which tens of thousands of personal contact details of police officers were stolen, Trouw reported. The disclosure came Monday in a joint statement from the General Intelligence and Security Service (AIVD) and the Military Intelligence and Security Service (MIVD). “They were looking for data on military deliveries to Ukraine,” said MIVD Director Peter Reesink.
The espionage-focused group has also targeted several other Dutch organizations, according to the agencies. “They have a specific interest in armed forces, governments, defense (sub)suppliers, social and civil organizations, and IT and digital service providers,” the agencies reported.
In a letter to the Tweede Kamer, Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans (MIVD) and Interior Minister Judith Uitermark (AIVD) wrote that Laundry Bear has been conducting cyberattacks against Western governments, companies, and institutions “since at least 2024” and is “very likely operating for espionage purposes.”
The full scope of data theft in other incidents remains unclear. “It is not possible to determine whether data was stolen in the other attacks,” the agencies stated.
The attacks have proven difficult to detect. “We are deliberately choosing to expose their tactics,” said AIVD Director-General Erik Akerboom. “By doing so, we reduce the chance of Laundry Bear succeeding and help protect digital networks more effectively.”
