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ShinyHunters suspect also investigated for alleged murder orders, Dutch media report - Finance news and analysis from Global Banking & Finance Review
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ShinyHunters suspect also investigated for alleged murder orders, Dutch media report

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on September 29, 2026

2 min read

· Last updated: September 29, 2026

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ShinyHunters Suspect Investigated for Murder Plot in Expanding Data Breach Case

Investigation Details and Allegations Against ShinyHunters Suspect

Arrest and Murder Plot Allegations

AMSTERDAM, Sept 29 (Reuters) - A 24-year-old man arrested earlier this week as part of an investigation into the hacking group ShinyHunters is also being investigated over allegations that he ordered two murders abroad, Dutch media reported on Tuesday.

Police did not immediately confirm the reports.

Discovery of Evidence

Information about the alleged murder plots was reportedly found on the suspect's laptop, Dutch news agency ANP reported. It was not clear whether the murders he allegedly ordered actually took place. The allegations are separate from the investigation into ShinyHunters.

Suspect Identification and Employer Statement

Although Dutch authorities have not publicly identified the man, his former employer, Amsterdam-based cybersecurity company Neo Security, said his name is Pepijn van der Stap.

Attempts by Reuters to reach Van der Stap or identify a lawyer or representative have not been successful.

Details of the Arrest

He was arrested in a dramatic police raid amid escalating concern over ShinyHunters, a hacking group known ​for large-scale data breaches and extortion, and its recent theft of what it said was terabytes of sensitive personnel data from US FBI servers.

Scope of the Data Breach

At least some of the data includes employees' intelligence assignments and medical records, Reuters has reported. 

ShinyHunters Group Response

ShinyHunters has said Van der Stap had "no association" with the group.

(Reporting by Charlotte Van Campenhout, Anthony Deutsch, Editing by Alexandra Hudson)

Key Takeaways

  • The suspect, named by Neo Security as Pepijn van der Stap, was arrested amid probes into both ShinyHunters and purported murder plots, with the two investigations remaining officially separate.
  • ShinyHunters, known for major data breaches, recently claimed to have stolen 2–3 terabytes of sensitive FBI personnel data via an Oracle PeopleSoft zero‑day exploit, prompting an FBI investigation into the validity and scope of the breach.
  • If verified, the alleged murder‑ordering charges add a markedly more violent and unprecedented dimension to the case, extending far beyond the traditional cyber‑extortion profile of ShinyHunters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the suspect in the ShinyHunters investigation?
The suspect is reportedly Pepijn van der Stap, a former employee of Amsterdam-based Neo Security, according to Dutch media.
What new allegations are being investigated against the ShinyHunters suspect?
Besides hacking, the suspect is also being investigated for allegedly ordering two murders abroad.
Are the murder allegations related to the ShinyHunters case?
No, the murder allegations are separate from the ongoing ShinyHunters investigation.
What type of data was reportedly stolen by ShinyHunters?
ShinyHunters allegedly stole terabytes of sensitive data, including US FBI personnel records, intelligence assignments, and medical records.
Has the identity of the suspect been officially confirmed by Dutch authorities?
Dutch authorities have not publicly identified the suspect, but his name was shared by his former employer.

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