The Dutch police have published a list on the internet of the Netherland’s most wanted criminals.

The website currently features eight men wanted for crimes that include rape, armed robbery and murder. All face upwards of eight years in jail – lengthy sentences by Dutch standards.

The move is unusual in the Netherlands, where there are tight regulations to protect the privacy of both wanted and convicted criminals. The website includes the names, ages and descriptions of the wanted men. They include Dino Soerel, a convicted drug dealer thought to be behind contract killings, and Fouad El Marzouki, suspected of murdering two elderly women.

The names have been widely published in the Dutch press in a major departure from normal practice. Surnames of criminals are usually abbreviated to the first letter. The police have been careful to avoid using the phrase “most wanted” or mentioning any possibility of financial reward.

Since the website’s launch on Tuesday evening, the police have already received several tips.