Dutch Police Arrest Man Who Demanded Payment to Delete Files They Accidentally Sent Him

Dutch Police Arrest Man Who Demanded Payment to Delete Files They Accidentally Sent Him

2026-02-18 data

Amsterdam, Wednesday, 18 February 2026.
A 40-year-old man was arrested after refusing to delete confidential police documents accidentally sent to him, demanding compensation in return. The bizarre case began when police mistakenly sent a download link instead of an upload link, giving the man access to sensitive investigation files. Despite clear instructions to stop downloading and delete the material, he continued accessing the documents and told authorities he would only comply if he ‘received something in return,’ leading to his arrest for computer trespassing.

The Technical Error That Started It All

The incident began on February 12, 2026, when the suspect contacted Dutch police offering footage that might be relevant to an ongoing investigation [1][2]. The man from Ridderkerk claimed to have camera images showing a robbery that had occurred several days earlier in the area [7]. An officer responded by intending to send a secure upload link so the man could share the material with authorities [1]. However, due to what police described as a technical error, the officer accidentally sent a download link instead, inadvertently granting the man access to confidential police documents [1][2][8]. This simple mix-up between upload and download functionality would escalate into a criminal case highlighting critical vulnerabilities in law enforcement’s digital communication protocols.

Escalation and Demands for Compensation

After realizing their mistake, police immediately instructed the man not to download the files and to delete any material he had already obtained [1][2]. Rather than complying with these clear directives, the suspect continued downloading the confidential documents [6]. When confronted by authorities, he refused to delete the files, stating he would only comply if he ‘received something in return’ [1][2][4][8]. Police interpreted this demand as attempted blackmail, though legal experts have debated whether the man’s actions truly constituted extortion under Dutch law [3]. The standoff continued as the man maintained his position, prompting authorities to take decisive action to secure the sensitive information.

Arrest and Investigation Details

On Thursday evening, February 13, 2026, at approximately 7:00 PM, Dutch police arrested the 40-year-old man at his residence on Prinses Beatrixstraat in Ridderkerk [4][5][7][8]. The arrest was made on suspicion of computervredebreuk (computer trespassing), a charge that applies when someone knowingly exploits a fault to gain unauthorized access to an automated system [3]. During the arrest, authorities conducted a thorough search of the suspect’s home and vehicle, seizing digital storage devices and electronic equipment to secure the confidential files and prevent their potential distribution [5][6][7]. Police emphasized that they found no evidence the documents had been shared with third parties, though the investigation remains ongoing [1][2][6].

Dutch authorities argued that the recipient could reasonably assume the documents were not intended for him, given that he expected an upload link but received a download link [1][2]. Police stated that when someone receives a download link while knowing they should receive an upload link, and are clearly instructed not to download anything, choosing to access the files anyway may constitute computer trespassing [1][8]. The incident triggered formal data breach protocols, with police officially reporting the leak and initiating proper investigative procedures [6][7][8]. Legal analysts have noted the complex nature of the case, questioning whether merely downloading and retaining data without threatening to distribute it truly constitutes blackmail, and whether police should have obtained a court order before making the arrest [3]. The case highlights the challenging intersection of cybersecurity law, data protection regulations, and law enforcement procedures in an increasingly digital world.

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cybersecurity data breach