The Openbaar Ministerie (OM) has been disconnected from the internet since the afternoon of March 28, 2025, due to a possible ICT security incident. This disconnection was confirmed by a spokesperson following reports from NRC. The OM is taking the situation seriously and has established a crisis management team to investigate the issue promptly. Currently, it remains unclear how long this disconnection will last or what the specific nature of the incident is.
As part of the ongoing investigation, the OM has temporarily severed its connections to the outside world. "The OM is investigating whether there is a security incident in the ICT area," the agency stated. However, they have not disclosed whether the incident might involve a ransomware attack or a hack, leaving many questions unanswered.
This incident comes amidst a backdrop of ongoing ICT problems that the OM has been experiencing over the past year. According to NRC, these issues have severely hampered the agency's operations, with prosecutors often unable to send, receive, or open emails, or access their digitized files. In fact, work at the OM has reportedly come to a near standstill due to these persistent ICT challenges.
Earlier on the same day, all OM employees received a warning about a "large-scale failure of our infrastructure," which has made collaboration with police and the judiciary temporarily impossible. The OM's spokesperson noted that other organizations and the Ministry of Justice have been informed about the situation and will be updated on the investigation's findings.
The ongoing ICT problems at the OM have raised significant concerns within the organization and among government officials. Last December, nearly all parties in the Tweede Kamer urged the government to address the ICT issues affecting not only the OM but also other governmental agencies. For instance, the Belastingdienst (Tax and Customs Administration) has been grappling with outdated computer systems, which have hindered the implementation of several government plans.
In light of these challenges, the OM had previously announced the establishment of a special task force aimed at resolving these ongoing ICT difficulties. Despite these efforts, the situation has not improved significantly, leading to frustration among staff members. An experienced prosecutor expressed concern, stating, "During court hearings, we often have to improvise because we cannot consult our own files during the proceedings."
This latest incident has exacerbated the already precarious situation at the OM. Just last month, the agency announced its intention to handle criminal cases more independently, without court involvement, in an effort to alleviate congestion in the criminal justice system. This move has drawn criticism from judges who are concerned about the implications of the OM's approach.
As the investigation into the current security incident unfolds, the OM continues to grapple with the repercussions of its longstanding ICT issues. With the agency's work severely disrupted, the public and officials alike are left wondering how this situation will impact the justice system in the Netherlands.
In summary, the OM's disconnection from the internet due to a possible security incident highlights the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in governmental ICT systems. As the crisis management team works to determine the nature of the incident and its implications, the OM's ongoing challenges serve as a reminder of the vulnerabilities within public sector technology.
