The OPP Cybercrime Team was informed by the FBI that an Ontario resident was offering ransomware as a service, with victims across the country.
news release
ontario provincial police
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The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) has arrested an individual in connection with illegal online activity related to a ransomware deployment.
Project Archie is a three-year study of victims across the country. In 2020, members of the OPP Cyber Crime Investigation Team (CIT) received information from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) regarding an Ontario resident involved in a ransomware servicing operation.
On October 26, 2022, investigators executed a search warrant at a residence in Bradford and seized electronic devices. This evidence was sent for detailed forensic analysis.
On December 14, 2023, investigators arrested and charged Mikhail. Vasiliev, 34, of Oakville, committed the following criminal offenses:
- Extortion, section 346(1.1)(b) – count 3
- Computer Misuse, Section 342.1(1)(c) – 3 counts
- failure to comply with release order, section 145(5)(a);
This person had previously been charged with firearms offenses.
The defendant was remanded and is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Orillia on December 19.
Anyone who believes they have been a victim of cybercrime or fraud should report it to local police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. Online reporting system or call 1-888-495-8501. Even if you are not a victim, please report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.