**Dutch Court Convicts Hacker Who Exploited Port Networks for Drug Trafficking**

The Dutch appeals court has sentenced a 44-year-old hacker to seven years in prison for hacking port systems to help smuggle cocaine through European logistics hubs into the Netherlands. The sentence was reduced from 10 to 7 years, citing a prolonged appeal process lasting more than 21 months.

Prosecutors alleged that the scheme enabled the import of 210 kg of cocaine through the Port of Rotterdam. The hacker bribed an Antwerp port worker to insert a malware-infected USB into their computer, creating a backdoor that gave remote access to container, gate, and access-control systems.

"The defendant is sentenced to seven years in prison. He is guilty of complicity in computer hacking," the Amsterdam Court of Appeal ruled. "The purpose of this was to gain access to port systems so he could then import drugs undetected and unseen, thus facilitating drug trafficking."

The court also found the defendant guilty of complicity in the importation of 210 kilos of cocaine into the Netherlands, as well as attempted extortion for threatening relatives over missing cocaine and demanding €1.2 million under the threat of violence.

**How the Hack Unfolded**

According to court documents, the defendant persuaded a port employee at a container terminal in Antwerp to plug a USB stick loaded with malware into their work computer. The malicious software created a digital backdoor, giving the hacker remote access to internal port systems used to manage containers, gates and personnel access.

The malware gave the group covert remote access to monitor containers, manipulate gates, and issue entry credentials, persisting for months while seeking admin rights. Investigators relied heavily on Sky ECC messages, where the defendant detailed his control of port systems and coached accomplices through the hacking process.

"In those chats, the defendant provided step-by-step instructions on how to deploy the malware," reported The Record.

**The Investigation**

Investigators found malware hidden in port systems for months, repeatedly trying to gain admin rights. The attacker claimed full control, including access passes and gates.

"On September 18, 2020, a potential backdoor was installed on system AV150081C," court documents state. "Between September 19 and 27, 2020, the attackers used various privilege escalation tools in an attempt to gain control of an administrative account in the [affected party] environment."

The investigation also revealed that the group stole and shared sensitive data like camera locations, staff photos, and layouts.

**The Verdict**

The court found the man guilty of forging transport documents and Portbase records to move cocaine shipments. Judges said the hack aimed to support drug trafficking and seriously endangered port security.

The defendant remains imprisoned in the western Netherlands and has filed another appeal. This case highlights the risks and consequences of hacking and the importance of robust cybersecurity measures in critical infrastructure like ports.