Dutch financial-crime investigators arrested two men and seized about 800 servers in raids tied to a hosting network accused of enabling pro-Russian cyberattacks, disinformation and sanctions violations.
Dutch financial-crime investigators said they arrested two men and seized about 800 servers in raids linked to a hosting operation accused of enabling pro-Russian cyberattacks, interference and disinformation.
The investigation centers on Stark Industries, a hosting network that reporting says continued under other names after EU sanctions in 2025. Authorities also seized laptops, phones and administrative records during searches in Almere, Enschede, Dronten and Schiphol-Rijk.
According to the Dutch Financial Intelligence and Investigation Service, or FIOD, the arrests were made in connection with suspected sanctions violations. The men were later released, but remain under investigation.
The action underscores how hosting infrastructure can be used to support hostile cyber operations at scale. Earlier coverage said the seized servers were being used in a broader network tied to attacks and disinformation aimed at Russia's opponents.
Officials have not yet publicly detailed any charges beyond the ongoing sanctions and cybercrime probe.
What happens next
The case is still developing. Additional details could emerge if Dutch prosecutors file charges or if FIOD releases more information about the scope of the network and its customers.
Revision note
Initial automated publication.