Bungling Blackmailer: The Case of the Accidental Police Data Leak

Dutch Authorities Arrest Man for Downloading Confidential Police Documents

A 40-year-old man in Ridderkerk, Netherlands, was arrested by Dutch authorities after he downloaded confidential documents mistakenly shared by the police and refused to delete them without receiving something in return.

The suspect was detained at his residence on Prinses Beatrixstraat on Thursday evening under suspicion of computer hacking. Police conducted a search of his home and seized data storage devices to retrieve the files in question.

The incident unfolded when the man contacted the police on February 12 regarding images he believed to be relevant to an ongoing investigation. Instead of providing a link to upload the images, an officer mistakenly shared a download link to confidential police documents.

Despite the obvious error, the man proceeded to download the files. When instructed by the police to cease downloading and delete the materials, he allegedly refused unless offered something in return.

According to Dutch law, knowingly downloading files from a link intended for uploading constitutes potential computer trespass, especially when explicitly told not to access the materials.

The Dutch police stated in a press release that individuals who receive misdirected download links should refrain from downloading the files, as it is reasonable to assume that the files were not intended for them.

An investigation was launched into the data breach, although there is no evidence suggesting that the confidential documents were shared beyond the possession of the suspect.

Authorities emphasized the legal obligation of recipients of misdirected confidential materials to report errors and refrain from accessing or retaining documents not intended for them, regardless of how the materials were obtained.

“The police have no indication that the files were distributed further. They are following protocol for data breaches. The police are continuing their investigation,” the authorities added.