Police Cracks Down on JokerOTP Password-Stealing Bot Distributor

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Netherlands Arrests 21-Year-Old for Distributing Malicious OTP-Stealing Tool

A 21-year-old individual from Dordrecht, Netherlands, has been apprehended by the Dutch National Police for allegedly distributing a malicious tool designed to intercept one-time passwords (OTPs).

JokerOTP Bot Targets Victims with Automated Phone Calls

The suspect, who was taken into custody as part of an ongoing cybercrime investigation, is believed to have sold the tool, known as JokerOTP, through a Telegram account and possessed license keys associated with it.

According to authorities, JokerOTP is a bot that targets victims by automated phone calls, falsely alerting them to potential unauthorized access to their accounts. The bot then prompts the victims to enter their OTPs, which are intended to provide an additional layer of security for online accounts and financial transactions.

Anouk Bonekamp, Team Leader of the Cybercrime Team, noted that the bot exploits victims’ feelings of uncertainty and fear, causing them to divulge sensitive information in an attempt to protect themselves. This tactic undermines the purpose of OTPs, which are designed to provide an additional security measure.

Investigation and Prosecution

The investigation, led by Team Cybercrime Oost-Brabant, is ongoing, and authorities have already identified dozens of individuals in the Netherlands who purchased the JokerOTP bot. These buyers are expected to face prosecution in the near future.

This arrest marks the third in connection with the JokerOTP bot, following the apprehension of the tool’s developer and co-developer in April and August 2025, respectively. The swift action by law enforcement highlights the importance of collaboration in combatting cybercrime and protecting individuals from sophisticated threats like JokerOTP.