Dutch police close in on fraud suspects with nationwide 'Game Over?!' campaign
A major police crackdown on fake agents and bank helpdesk fraud has led to 14 suspects being identified within a week. With 86 still at large, authorities urge the public to help before photos of suspects become recognizable on March 23, risking arrest for those involved.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Campaign Name | Game Over?! |
| Suspects Initially Sought | 100 |
| Suspects Remaining | 86 |
| Suspects Identified | 14 |
| Deadline for Self-Reporting | March 19, 2026 |
| Photos Become Recognizable | March 23, 2026 |
| Fraud Cases in 2025 | Over 13,000 fake agent incidents; even more bank helpdesk fraud cases |
| Campaign Reach | National (TV, social media, digital screens, www.politie.nl/gameover) |
| Key Partners | Police, Public Prosecution Service, Digital Crime Team |
The Dutch police, in collaboration with the Public Prosecution Service, play a critical role in combating fraud by investigating crimes, apprehending suspects, and raising public awareness. This campaign leverages investigative reporting—a tool used to publicly identify suspects when other investigative methods have been exhausted—to pressure perpetrators and encourage public cooperation.
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Read the full translated article below
Interim 'Game Over?!': Recognitions in 14 Cases
A week after the launch of the national investigation offensive Game Over?!, there are only 86 suspects left out of the 100 sought. Game Over?! focuses on tackling fake agents and (bank) helpdesk fraud. Last week, the police published 100 unrecognizable photos of suspects at once, urging suspects to turn themselves in before Thursday, March 19. Starting Monday, March 23, the photos of the suspects will be recognizable if their identity is not known by then. Everyone can then provide their names to the police.
Many Tips and Self-Reports
The blurred images of the suspects can be seen on www.politie.nl/gameover and also on digital screens, in TV commercials, and online on social media. "We really see that citizens are taking action," says Aad Lensen of the Digital Crime Team. "Many people recognize someone despite the blurred images or see something that helps us in the investigation. With this action, we are targeting the perpetrators. These are the people who pick up the pass, stand at the ATM, or come to the door as a fake agent. If we recognize and apprehend them, we can solve cases and show victims that we stand up for them."
Large Action with Great Impact
Bringing out recognizable photos of perpetrators is what we call investigative reporting. The police may only use this means if the Public Prosecution Service gives permission per case. Permission has been granted for all one hundred cases in Game Over?!
"This is the largest deployment of investigative reporting we have ever done," says Daan Annegarn of the National Investigative Communication Team. By showing 100 suspects to the public at the same time, we reach the entire country. This not only yields tips, but we also see that suspects turn themselves in. "This is the last chance for suspects to prevent themselves from being recognizable soon. You'd better take that chance because otherwise there's a good chance you'll be arrested soon."
Impact on Victims
In 2025 alone, the number of incidents with fake agents rose to over 13,000. The number of bank helpdesk fraud cases is even higher. Behind every report lies a usually tragic story. Victims are often older and vulnerable people, and the impact on them is great. This makes these crimes particularly serious.
Many victims lose not only money but also trust in other people and in institutions. Shame also plays a role, which is why not everyone reports it. With the Game Over?! campaign, the police and the Public Prosecution Service want to track down perpetrators and show that this type of crime has serious consequences.
Collaboration and Investigation Offensive
Game Over?! is an initiative of the National Investigative Communication Team of the police, part of the Police Service Center in collaboration with the Digital Crime Team and the Public Prosecution Service. Together with investigation teams across the country, tips are processed, suspects are tracked down, apprehended, and brought to court.
Interim and Last Chance
The police expect more recognitions in the coming days. Suspects are urged to turn themselves in by Thursday, March 19. Starting March 23, all suspects who are not yet known will be recognizable until someone provides their name to the police.