In an RCMP enforcement release that identified the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada as a supporting agency, eight individuals from Ottawa, Gatineau, and Montreal were charged in connection with a cyber-enabled fraud targeting the Canada Emergency Response Benefit program. Investigators linked the accused to about CAD 364,000 in fraudulent claims after a scheme that used stolen identities to access Canada Revenue Agency accounts, change banking details, and redirect benefit payments. The joint investigation began in August 2020 after a cyber attack on the Canada Revenue Agency online portal and was led by the RCMP’s International Anti-Corruption Team and Cybercrime Investigative Team, with support from FINTRAC, the Canada Revenue Agency, and the Forensic Accounting and Management Group. Seven individuals were charged under the Criminal Code with fraud over CAD 5,000 and, for some accused, possession of identity information with intent to commit an indictable offence. An eighth individual had already been charged on May 29, 2025, and all accused are scheduled to appear in court in Montreal on July 7, 2026.
Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada2026-05-20
Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada supports RCMP investigation leading to eight charges over CAD 364000 CERB cyber fraud
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police charged eight individuals from Ottawa, Gatineau, and Montreal in connection with cyber-enabled fraud targeting the Canada Emergency Response Benefit program, with the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada identified as a supporting agency. Investigators linked the accused to approximately CAD 364,000 in fraudulent claims involving stolen identities used to access Canada Revenue Agency accounts, alter banking details, and redirect payments.