A matter of significant concern has come to the forefront in Dutch media, an arrest has been made within the Dutch counter-terrorism service, with the individual accused of allegedly divulging state secrets, according to the Dutch public prosecutor’s office. Various media outlets have indicated that Morocco may have been the recipient of the leaked information.
The individual in question holds a position within the NTCV, the National Coordination for Counter-Terrorism and Security. According to Dutch media reports, the man named Abderrahim El M., aged 64 and residing in Rotterdam, served as an Arabic translator and senior analyst within the counter-terrorism unit. He is alleged to have disclosed sensitive information pertaining to police units and the specialized services dedicated to combating terrorism, extremism, and radicalization.
In addition to Abderrahim El M., another policewoman is also under scrutiny and involved in the case. The duo was brought before the Dutch judiciary this Tuesday, and it was decided to keep them in custody.
“It is of utmost importance that the criminal investigation conducted by the National Department of Criminal Investigations, overseen by the National Public Prosecutor’s Office, proceeds without hindrance,” emphasized Justice Minister Dilan Yesilgöz-Zegerius.
As a reminder, as reported a year ago, Morocco and the Netherlands have recently put an end to their longstanding differences after several years of tensions, both during the Hirak protests in the Rif region and amid the COVID-19 pandemic. A reconciliation agreement was ultimately signed in July 2021 between the two nations.