International Criminal Court Targeted in Cyberattack Aimed at Undermining War Crimes Investigations

The International Criminal Court (ICC) announced on Friday that the cyberattack it experienced in September was an act of attempted espionage aimed at disrupting its investigations into war crimes around the world. The court, based in The Hague, Netherlands, stated that it has not yet determined the identity of the attackers. The attack was described as targeted and sophisticated, suggesting a serious attempt to undermine the court's mandate.

While it is unclear whether any sensitive information was stolen, the ICC holds sensitive records related to war crimes investigations, including documents, images, and testimony from endangered witnesses. The court assured that if any compromised data is found, those affected will be immediately notified. Currently, the ICC is conducting 17 investigations into alleged atrocities in countries such as Ukraine, Uganda, Venezuela, Afghanistan, and the Palestinian Territories.

The court revealed that it has faced daily attempts to disrupt its systems and anticipates being targeted by disinformation campaigns aimed at damaging its reputation. This recent cyberattack comes in the context of heightened security concerns for the court. Notably, the ICC issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin in March for suspected illegal deportation of children from Ukraine. In response, the Kremlin denied the accusations and disputed the court's jurisdiction.

Furthermore, the Dutch secret service apprehended a Russian spy in 2022 who was posing as a Brazilian intern to infiltrate the court. These incidents have fueled tensions and accusations between Russia and the Netherlands. In response to the cyberattack, the Dutch government is conducting a criminal investigation, and the ICC is reinforcing its defenses. It emphasized the need to be prepared for potential repercussions and security risks to victims, witnesses, court officials, and its operations.

The court vowed to identify actions and procedures to confront any fallout from the attack. The ICC's ability to carry out its crucial work in holding individuals accountable for war crimes is of utmost importance. With ongoing investigations and potential risks to those involved, this cyberattack underscores the increasing challenges faced by international institutions in a digital age.