Europe's 2024 Bomb Threat Emails: Ongoing Investigation After Teen's Conviction
In September 2024, Europe faced a wave of mass threat emails targeting educational institutions, sparking public concern and disrupting educational processes. The emails, containing bomb threats, were part of a larger pattern of cybercrime that continues to be investigated by Latvia's Cybercrime Combating Directorate.
The origin of these threats can be traced back to 2025, when a 15-year-old boy was convicted for sending similar emails. The boy, from Stainz, caused evacuations at multiple schools, highlighting the seriousness of such actions. In response, a joint investigation team was formed in 2025, involving the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine, and later Latvia, with the support of Eurojust.
On 16 July 2025, Ukraine conducted coordinated actions and evidence removal as part of this joint investigation. Latvia's State Police Unit 1 also played a significant role, investigating a mass bomb threat email case in educational institutions. While the emails were deemed a low risk threat, they were considered a hostile criminal action aimed at destabilizing society.
The mass threat emails that caused concern in Europe in 2024 are part of an ongoing investigation. The conviction of a 15-year-old boy in 2025 for similar actions underscores the seriousness of such threats. Despite being deemed low risk, these emails were considered hostile criminal actions and are being thoroughly investigated by international teams.
