Netherlands introduces AI criminal to train farmers against organized crime

Dutch farmers can now use an artificial intelligence tool named Tony to practice refusing criminal offers. The AI simulates a criminal attempting to rent agricultural buildings, such as barns or stables, for illegal activities like drug production or cultivation.

Research by the farmers' organization LTO indicates that between 10 and 20 percent of Dutch farmers are approached by criminals. These offers can involve monthly payments ranging from thousands to tens of thousands of euros. Criminals often use persuasive tactics, promising low risk to entice entrepreneurs into becoming unintentionally involved in organized crime.

The tool was developed by Platform Veilig Ondernemen (PVO), a collaboration involving entrepreneurs, municipalities, police, justice departments, and industry organizations. Users can engage in free-form conversations with the AI or follow specific multiple-choice scenarios. Following the session, the system provides a report with feedback on the user's communication techniques to help them reject suspicious requests safely and without disclosing sensitive information.