On July 2, 2025, another suspect in a Dutch criminal investigation was extradited to the Netherlands from the United Arab Emirates. The suspect is a 22-year-old man, who emerged in an investigation into cybercrime by the Police and Public Prosecution Service of North Holland (OM). The investigation involved cooperation with several European countries.
Investigation
The OM suspects the man of offering websites that can be used to carry out DDoS attacks; using false identity documents to register domain names on the internet; taking hosting services; offering advertising space on the suspects websites; and renting server space. Additionally, he is suspected of laundering advertising revenues from websites where he offered copyrighted material for free. The suspect will be presented to the examining magistrate on Friday, July 4.
Cooperation
The suspect was untraceable in the Netherlands. Investigations revealed that he was likely in Dubai. Due to the excellent cooperation between the authorities in the United Arab Emirates and those in the Netherlands, the suspect could be extradited quickly. Since 2023, an extradition treaty has been in effect between the United Arab Emirates and the Netherlands. This treaty is proving effective in practice: the number of extraditions from the United Arab Emirates is increasing, making it less likely for criminals to feel safe there. Recently, the Netherlands also appointed a permanent representative of the OM in Dubai to enhance coordination on desired cooperation.