NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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The Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has arrested an individual in relation to illegal online activities related to the deployment of ransomware.
Project Archie is a three-year investigation involving victims from across the country. In 2020 members of the OPP Cybercrime Investigations Team (CIT) received information from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) about an Ontario resident who was involved in offering ransomware as a service.
On Oct. 26, 2022, investigators conducted a search warrant at a residence in the Town of Bradford and seized electronic devices. This evidence was sent for detailed forensic analysis.
On Dec. 14, 2023, investigators arrested and charged Mikhail Vasiliev, 34, of Oakville with the following Criminal Code offences:
- Extortion, section 346(1.1)(b) - three counts
- Unauthorized use of a computer, section 342.1(1)(c) - three counts
- Fail to comply with release order, section 145(5)(a)
The individual had been previously charged with firearms offences.
The accused has been remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Orillia on Dec. 19.
Anyone who suspects they have been the victim of cybercrime or fraud should report it to their local police and to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre's online reporting system or by phone at 1-888-495-8501. If not a victim, report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre anyway.
