The Public Prosecution Service may remain disconnected from the internet for several weeks. This was announced by the Board of Prosecutors General to all staff on Monday morning.
The investigation into the identified vulnerability of the IT system of the Public Prosecution Service continues unabated. The solution to the disruption is complicated and takes time.
This means that Public Prosecution Service staff can only log in at office locations for the time being, are not reachable by email, and there is limited functionality of the digital systems. In good cooperation with chain partners, the impact on criminal cases and hearings is kept as small as possible by following emergency processes. Agreements have been made for urgent processes, and the continuation of Council Chambers and the scheduling of hearings are prioritized.
In the coming period, where forensic research allows, it will be gradually assessed which digital systems can be safely restarted. The first steps have already been taken: some case systems are now available for consulting files.
When all systems will be operational again and can be connected to the internet is not currently known. Rinus Otte, chairman of the Board of Prosecutors General: ‘This situation demands a lot from our staff and chain partners, especially now that this situation may last several weeks. We are doing everything we can together to keep the impact for everyone as small as possible. I want to thank everyone for their efforts, patience, and flexibility.’