Dutch probe finds two London intelligence firms spied on ICC staffers, relatives: Report
The Dutch National Coordinator for Counterterrorism and Security investigated a secret intelligence operation in which two private intelligence bureaus based in London collected sensitive personal information for months on employees of the International Criminal Court in The Hague, their children, and other family members, NRC reports.
The main target was a 38-year-old lawyer at the International Criminal Court who filed a sexual abuse complaint against British prosecutor Karim Khan in spring 2024. Khan, who was then the court’s chief prosecutor, stepped down in May 2025 and remains on leave pending the outcome of the misconduct inquiry.
Other court employees targeted in the operation were linked to those same allegations against Khan or to the handling of the case, according to documents and recordings reviewed by NRC as part of the Dutch inquiry.
Private detectives reportedly sought information that could suggest a cover-up or connections to Israel or its intelligence service, the Mossad. The operation came more than a year after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
In December, the Dutch agency spoke with several International Criminal Court employees about the London bureaus’ activities, four people familiar with the situation confirmed to NRC. In a confidential letter to the court, seen by the newspaper, the agency said it had forwarded information from those discussions to Dutch intelligence services and police. Police are now investigating possible criminal offenses. The agency declined to comment to the NRC on the outcome or status of the probe, and police would not answer questions.
The Guardian reported in November 2025 that the purpose of the operation was to collect information that could be used to undermine the sexual abuse complaint filed by the alleged victim. Documents and recordings reviewed during the Dutch investigation show the private detectives specifically searched for evidence of a possible cover-up or any links to Israel or its intelligence service, the Mossad.
In the letter, the Dutch agency wrote: “Although we currently have no indications of a physical threat, we are aware that the current circumstances can be intimidating or perceived as threatening.” International Criminal Court employees often handle sensitive work, such as supporting victims in high-profile cases.
The sexual abuse allegations against Karim Khan, who was chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court until he stepped down, have gripped the court for nearly two years. The United Nations investigated the claims last year. Khan, who has “categorically” denied the accusations, took leave in May 2025 pending the probe. In August last year, another woman came forward anonymously in The Guardian to accuse him of sexually transgressive behavior.
The Bureau of the Assembly of States Parties, which oversees the court, is now reviewing the findings of the Dutch inquiry. A decision is expected on June 8. If the bureau determines Khan engaged in misconduct, the matter will be put to a vote by the court’s 125 member states on whether he may remain in his position.
One of the London bureaus, Highgate, confirmed to NRC that it conducted the investigation. It described the work as an inquiry into “possible secret or inappropriate activities that may have been intended to undermine the credibility, independence, or efficiency of the International Criminal Court.” Highgate declined to say why the court was not informed, who hired the firm, or with whom it shared information.
The Guardian concluded that a diplomatic unit within the Qatari state paid for the operation. The Wall Street Journal reported the same last week, prompting the Dutch SGP party to ask parliamentary questions about Khan’s independence.
Qatar’s media office and its embassy in the Netherlands did not respond to NRC's questions. After the Guardian’s story, Qatar’s media office called the accusations unfounded on X.
The International Criminal Court called investigations of its staff by third parties “unacceptable”—as well as actions to “attack or hinder” employees—and said it is working with the Netherlands on “appropriate measures.”
Khan's lawyers told NRC that “every suggestion” that the chief prosecutor was “in any way” involved in such an operation or had ordered it “is completely incorrect.”
