The International Criminal Court (ICC) confirmed it was the target of a sophisticated cyberattack during last week’s NATO leaders summit.
The court, based in The Hague, said it had taken swift action to contain the attack and is now investigating the impact. The incident happened while global leaders met to discuss security and defence strategies, raising concern about the timing and motive behind the breach.
“A Court-wide impact analysis is being carried out, and steps are already being taken to mitigate any effects of the incident,” said an ICC spokesperson.
The ICC did not disclose whether any sensitive data was compromised, but emphasised that the situation is under control.
This is not the first cyber threat the ICC has faced. In 2023, another cyberattack left parts of the court’s IT system damaged. Its Wi-Fi network has still not been fully restored.
The ICC is currently handling major investigations, including accusations of war crimes in Ukraine and Gaza. It has issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, making it a likely target for hostile actors.
In 2022, Dutch intelligence stopped a Russian spy from infiltrating the court using a fake Brazilian identity.
The cyberattack adds pressure to an already tense international environment, with US sanctions recently imposed on ICC officials, including Prosecutor Karim Khan.
As global tensions rise, the ICC remains a symbol of international justice — but also a high-profile target.
