Fifteen arrested in Netherlands over Islamic State propaganda on TikTok; 4 are minors
Dutch authorities arrested 15 people Tuesday for allegedly encouraging terrorist acts on TikTok and spreading propaganda for the Islamic State, police reports. The suspects, aged 16 to 53, were detained in multiple regions across the country. Four of the suspects are minors.
The investigation began in August 2025, when the The Hague police unit identified a TikTok account sharing IS videos with Dutch subtitles. The content promoted joining the fight and glorified martyrdom. Some posts received more than 100,000 views. Other accounts interacted with the content, amplifying the reach of the propaganda.
Police said the suspects are being investigated for incitement to commit terrorist offenses, distributing IS propaganda, and/or participating in a terrorist organization. Thirteen of the arrested individuals hold Syrian nationality, while four are Dutch citizens.
Law enforcement agencies across the Netherlands carried out the arrests. The Hague unit made four arrests, Rotterdam and Limburg units two each, Noord-Holland two, Amsterdam one, Zeeland-West-Brabant one, Noord-Nederland one, Oost-Nederland one, and Midden-Nederland one. The lead suspect in the case had already been arrested on January 20, 2025.
The Public Prosecution Service in The Hague coordinated the arrests. Cases will now be transferred to the relevant local prosecutors. Authorities said investigations will continue, and further arrests are not ruled out.
“The dissemination of IS propaganda is punishable by law,” the Public Prosecution Service and police said. “Glorifying and spreading propaganda seriously undermines public safety. That is why the police and the Public Prosecution Service act against it.”
