Authorities in the Netherlands and the FBI have apprehended a suspect in a cybercrime case, although the individual remains unnamed by official sources. According to reports from Krebs on Security and Reuters, the arrested individual is believed to be Pepijn van der Stap, a Dutch man previously convicted for data theft and extortion in 2023. Van der Stap reportedly joined the cybersecurity company Neo Security after his release from prison last year. However, ShinyHunters, another group, has denied any association with him.

Brett Leatherman, the assistant director of the FBI’s Cyber Division, has referred to the suspect as one of the alleged leaders of the group involved in the cybercrime activities. In a video message released on Tuesday, Leatherman issued a warning to the remaining members, stating, “The longer you stay involved, the more we will uncover about you. You have the ability to reach out to us, just as we have the means to locate you. I urge you to make the first move while you still have the chance.”

Additionally, the 24-year-old suspect is also under suspicion for “attempted incitement to commit two murders,” as per Dutch police reports. FBI Director Kash Patel has mentioned ongoing collaborative efforts with partners to pursue further leads and actions in connection with this arrest. The investigation is actively progressing with the support of FBI teams.