Russian state-backed hackers carried out a sabotage attack on a public facility in the Netherlands last year, marking the first confirmed incident of its kind in the country, the Dutch Military Intelligence and Security Service (MIVD) revealed in its annual report.
The MIVD did not specify which facility was targeted but said the hackers infiltrated its digital operating systems. While the attack did not cause any damage, the intelligence agency described it as a significant escalation in cyber threats.
In addition to sabotage, Russian hacktivists reportedly attempted to disrupt the upcoming European elections by targeting the websites of Dutch political parties and public transportation companies last year. The campaigns were part of a broader strategy to undermine public trust, weaken NATO unity, and erode support for Ukraine, the report noted.
The MIVD also warned of a sharp increase in digital operations linked to Russia, including the growing use of artificial intelligence in influence campaigns. One such operation, aimed at spreading pro-Russian narratives on social media, was thwarted last year in cooperation with US authorities.
The agency expects Russian espionage and sabotage activities to intensify, regardless of the outcome of the war in Ukraine due to its strategic position. The Netherlands is home to key international institutions, a major seaport, and an advanced tech sector.
China was also named in the report as an active player in cyber-espionage. In 2024, Chinese cyber units reportedly conducted operations against the Netherlands and its NATO and EU allies. Chinese malware was discovered on a Dutch defense system, though authorities said it did not cause harm.
