Cybercrime

Cybercrime is receiving growing attention from the police and the Public Prosecution Service, as Dutch headlines such as ‘more and more reports of fake e-mails to the Fraud Helpdesk’ and ‘fake fines deceptively real’ show. Ever since 1993, when the first Dutch Computer Crime Act entered into force, criminal legislation has been tightened time and again. Fraud through phishing (obtaining login details by means of fake e-mails), hacking into computers (unauthorised access) and altering data in the process now carry heavy penalties.

Looking for a cybercrime lawyer? Contact the cybercrime lawyers of SKE Advocaten directly

Other examples of computer crime, in which computers are hacked or (false) login details are used (fraud), include sabotage of systems (DDoS attacks, spreading viruses), infringement of intellectual property rights, of secrets and of privacy (theft, handling stolen goods, interception), and the dissemination of harmful content (defamation, child sexual abuse material, grooming, racism or discrimination and incitement to hatred, offering medical products without a licence, or illegal gambling).

Reporting cybercrime

Cybercrime can be reported to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). Reports are generally investigated very seriously and are often followed by a criminal investigation by the police and/or specialist teams. These cases often involve fraud through which large sums of money are earned unlawfully, which makes fighting cybercrime a hot topic for politicians and therefore for the prosecution. Computer crime carries long prison sentences, and money earned through cybercrime can be reclaimed by means of a confiscation order.

Suspected of cybercrime – what now?

Are you suspected of cybercrime, or is an investigation under way? Has your computer been seized, for example? Have you been arrested? A cybercrime lawyer can help you. Give the police the name of one of our lawyers and we will come to assist you at the police station free of charge. Before any interview, you can always call us to determine your legal position. Do not take any action and do not answer questions in an interview until you have spoken to a cybercrime lawyer at SKE Advocaten.

Dismissal or settlement

Sometimes it is possible to have your case dismissed or settled. If that is not possible, we will discuss with you how to achieve an acquittal or another good result.

Want to know more?

Would you like to know more? Call Pietrick Visser (+31 (0)6 44215368). He is our firm’s cybercrime specialist and is involved in, for example, major Bitcoin cases. If he is not available, our other lawyers will be happy to help you. We all specialise in sanctions and criminal law and discuss every case within the team, so you are always assured of the best legal assistance. A cybercrime lawyer at SKE Advocaten will help you where others fall short.