Ahold Delhaize cyberattack triggers criminal investigation

Dutch police have launched a criminal investigation into a cyberattack targeting Ahold Delhaize, the parent company of major retail chains including Albert Heijn, Etos, and Gall & Gall. The company formally filed a report on Monday, more than a week after the incident occurred.

To mitigate the impact of the attack, Ahold Delhaize proactively took certain systems offline. This resulted in several days of unavailability for brand websites and apps, as well as disruptions at multiple distribution centers that led to empty store shelves. Retail experts estimate that Albert Heijn may have lost between 100 and 200 million euros in turnover due to the disruption.

While the company has not reported any evidence that sensitive data belonging to customers, employees, or partners was stolen, its own internal investigation confirmed the suspicious activity was the result of ‘malicious actions by third parties’. Delivery services for Albert Heijn have begun to resume, though capacity is being restored gradually.