Ottawa man charged after two-year investigation into international ransomware attacks
An Ottawa man has been charged following a nearly two-year investigation into several ransomware attacks on targets in Canada and the U.S.
The cybercrime investigation started when the Federal Bureau of Investigation contacted Ontario Provincial Police in January 2020 about ransomware attacks based in Canada.
Police say they determined one person was responsible for numerous ransomware attacks affecting businesses, government agencies and private individuals throughout Canada as well as cyber-related offenses in the U.S.
Police said Tuesday that Matthew Philbert, 31, of Ottawa has been charged with fraud, unauthorized use of a computer, and possession of a device to obtain unauthorized use of a computer system or to commit mischief.
Philbert has also been charged in the U.S., according to a federal indictment unsealed on Tuesday.
The indictment alleges that Philbert conspired with others to damage computers, "and in the course of that conspiracy did damage a computer belonging to the State of Alaska in April 2018."
He is facing one count of conspiracy to commit fraud and related activity in connection with computers, and one count of fraud and related activity in connection with computers.
In the Canadian investigation, OPP say they seized evidence including desktop and laptop computers, a tablet, several hard drives and cell phones, a Bitcoin seed phrase and blank cards with magnetic stripes.
The accused is being held in custody pending further court appearances, police said. He was arrested on Nov. 30, but police announced the charges on Tuesday.
"Cyber criminals are opportunistic and will target any business or individual they identify as vulnerable,” OPP deputy commissioner Chuck Cox said in a news release. “The OPP continues to demonstrate its ability to seamlessly collaborate on integrated police investigations to combat cybercrimes and other illegal activities.”
Along with the FBI probe, the RCMP and Europol helped the OPP with its 23-month investigation.
The OPP says it has seen a 140 per cent increase in reported cybercrime offences since 2019.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Why drivers in Eastern Canada could see big gas price spikes, and other Canadians won't
Drivers in Eastern Canada face a big increase in gas prices because of various factors, especially the higher cost of the summer blend, industry analysts say.
How to avoid the trap of becoming 'house poor'
The journey to home ownership can be exciting, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew warns about the trappings of becoming 'house poor' -- where an overwhelming portion of your income is devoured by housing costs. Liew offers some practical strategies to maintain better financial health while owning a home.
Toxic forever chemicals in drinking water: Is Canada doing enough?
As the United States sets its first national limits on toxic forever chemicals in drinking water, researchers say Canada is lagging when it comes to regulations.
'A living nightmare': Winnipeg woman sentenced following campaign of harassment against man after online date
A Winnipeg woman was sentenced to house arrest after a single date with a man she met online culminated in her harassing him for years, and spurred false allegations which resulted in the innocent man being arrested three times.
Some customers steaming after McDonald's ends free hot drink sticker program
It took years for Vinnie Deluca to collect more than 400 cards worth of free McDonald's McCafe coffee, a collection that now has "zero value" after the company discontinued the program.
Biden scores endorsements from Kennedy family, looking to shore up support against Trump and RFK Jr.
U.S. President Joe Biden will accept endorsements from at least 15 members of the Kennedy political family during a campaign stop in Philadelphia on Thursday as he aims to undermine Donald Trump and marginalize the candidacy of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Where did the gold go? Crime expert weighs in on unfolding Pearson airport heist investigation
Almost 7,000 bars of pure gold were stolen from Pearson International Airport exactly one year ago during an elaborate heist, but so far only a tiny fraction of that stolen loot has been found.
When new leaders took over in ancient Maya, they didn't just bury the former royals. They burned their bodies in public
New archeological investigations in Guatemala reveal that the ancient Maya people had a ritual of burning royal human remains as a public display of political regime change.
Party's over: Coyotes play final game as Arizona franchise before move to Salt Lake City
Mullett Arena buzzed like few times in the two years since the Arizona Coyotes moved in, the fans amped for one last desert hurrah.