Dutch police arrest man who refused to delete confidential files shared by mistake

Dutch police have arrested a 40-year-old man who refused to delete confidential law enforcement documents that were accidentally sent to him, authorities said Monday.

The incident began last week when the suspect contacted police, saying he had images that might be relevant to an ongoing investigation. An officer responded by sending what was intended to be a secure upload link so the man could share the material.

Instead, due to what authorities described as a technical error, the officer accidentally sent a download link, giving the man access to confidential police documents.

After realizing the mistake, police instructed the man not to download the files and to delete any material he had already obtained. According to the statement, he refused, saying he would only comply if he “received something in return.”

Police then arrested the suspect, searched his home, and seized data storage devices to secure the files and prevent their possible distribution. Authorities said they have no indication that the documents were shared further.

“If you receive a download link knowing you should be receiving an upload link, are clearly told not to download it, and then choose to download the files anyway, you may be guilty of computer trespassing,” police said in a statement, arguing the recipient could reasonably assume the documents were not intended for him.

It is not yet clear what charges the suspect may face or what penalties he could receive.