Dutch police detain 15 in counter-terror social media investigation

Dutch authorities have arrested 15 people in a large-scale counter-terrorism investigation into suspected online incitement linked to ISIS, prosecutors said on February 10.

The suspects were detained during coordinated operations at several locations across the Netherlands, Caliber.Az reports citing the Netherlands Public Prosecution Service.

Investigators allege they used social media platforms, including TikTok, to encourage others to commit terrorist offences.

The investigation began in August 2025 after The Hague police unit identified a TikTok account that was widely distributing ISIS propaganda with Dutch subtitles. Authorities said the account allegedly encouraged people to join extremist fighting and glorified martyrdom. 

Some of the posts were viewed more than 100,000 times, while other accounts reportedly followed, edited and redistributed the material, further amplifying extremist messaging.

The suspects, aged between 16 and 53, are accused of incitement to commit terrorist crimes, spreading extremist propaganda and/or participating in a terrorist organisation, according to the Dutch Public Prosecution Service. Four of those arrested are minors.

In total, 16 suspects have been detained during the course of the investigation, including the alleged main suspect, who was arrested on January 20, 2026. Authorities said 13 of those arrested are Syrian nationals, while three hold Dutch citizenship.

The arrests were carried out across nine police regions. Four suspects were detained by The Hague police unit, while authorities in Rotterdam, Limburg and North Holland each made two arrests. Additional suspects were apprehended in Amsterdam, Zeeland-West Brabant, North Netherlands, East Netherlands and Central Netherlands.

The operation was coordinated by prosecutors in The Hague, and the cases will now be transferred to regional prosecutors for further legal proceedings. Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing and further arrests have not been ruled out.

Police and prosecutors also warned that distributing extremist propaganda is a criminal offence that poses a serious threat to public safety. Officials urged the public to report violent or extremist content linked to terrorist organisations encountered on social media platforms, including TikTok, to the police or to the National Support Centre for Extremism.

By Aghakazim Guliyev