Eight people from Ontario and Quebec are facing charges after an RCMP investigation into an alleged cyber-enabled fraud scheme targeting federal COVID-19 benefit payments. Police say the scheme involved stolen identities, unauthorized access to Canada Revenue Agency accounts, and the redirection of CERB payments into accounts controlled by suspects.

Eight people from Ottawa, Gatineau, and Montreal are facing charges in connection with an alleged cyber-enabled fraud scheme that targeted federal COVID-19 benefit payments.

According to the RCMP, the investigation began in August 2020 after a cyber attack affected the Canada Revenue Agency’s online portal. Police say the alleged fraud targeted the Canada Emergency Response Benefit, commonly known as CERB, which was introduced during the pandemic to provide financial support to eligible Canadians.

Investigators allege the scheme involved networks of individuals who worked together to steal personal identities, gain unauthorized access to taxpayer accounts, and fraudulently claim CERB benefits. The RCMP says suspects changed banking information on compromised CRA accounts and redirected benefit payments into accounts under their control.

Police estimate the fraudulent claims totalled approximately $364,000.

The accused include four residents of Montreal, three residents of Gatineau, and one Ottawa resident. Seven of the suspects have been charged with fraud over $5,000.

The RCMP described cyber-enabled fraud targeting government benefit programs as a complex and evolving challenge for law enforcement. Investigators said these types of cases can involve multiple jurisdictions, coordinated networks, and specialized investigative work to identify the people allegedly responsible.

The charges have not been proven in court.

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Originally published on Canadian Fraud News.