Four National Capital area residents are among eight people charged in a sophisticated cyber-enabled fraud targeting the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) announced the charges on Wednesday, detailing a scheme that involved unauthorized access to Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) accounts and fraudulent claims totaling approximately $364,000.
RCMP Investigation and Charges
The investigation began in August 2020 following a cyber attack on the CRA's online portal. According to the RCMP, the suspects used stolen personal identities to unlawfully access CRA accounts, alter banking information, and redirect CERB payments to accounts under their control. The fraud is described as sophisticated and cyber-enabled.
Among the eight individuals charged, four are from Montreal, three from Gatineau, and one from Ottawa. Seven of the suspects face charges of fraud over $5,000. The RCMP emphasized that the fraudulent claims amounted to roughly $364,000.
Court Appearances
The accused are scheduled to appear in court in Montreal on July 7. The RCMP continues to investigate the case, which highlights the vulnerabilities in online benefit systems during the pandemic.
Police urge the public to protect personal information and report suspicious activity to authorities. The case serves as a reminder of the ongoing risks of cyber fraud targeting government programs.
