Ontario man wanted for defrauding northern Albertan Indigenous government of $857,000 in targeted cyberattack

Wood Buffalo RCMP say they have identified a suspect allegedly involved in defrauding the Fort McMurray Métis local government of approximately $857,000.

The investigation began in Nov. 2021 after the local government reported being the victim of a spear-phishing scam after being lured into sending the fraudster large sums of money in a pretentious act of being a legitimate source.

Nearly five years later, police say they have identified a suspect believed to be responsible and a warrant has been issued for his arrest.

Spear phishing is a targeted cyberattack in which criminals use personal information to trick individuals or organizations into revealing confidential information or granting access to systems. Such attacks can lead to data breaches and significant financial losses.

Following the RCMP announcement, the Métis government shared the impact the incident had on the organization.

“It was absolutely devastating,” said Kelly Myers, McMurray Métis district captain in an interview with Fort McMurray Today.

“To have to stand in front of our citizens and declare that this has happened when we thought everything was safe and secure, it was absolutely devastating.”

District Captain Myers said the organization is thankful for the RCMP’s commitment and sustained efforts during the lengthy investigative process.

At the time, the not-for-profit organization had recently broken ground on the McMurray Métis Cultural Centre. Construction on the project was halted in October 2022 because of funding shortfalls and what the organization described as insufficient planning.

Myers said the incident prompted the organization to strengthen its financial controls and cybersecurity practices.

She said new financial procedures and security measures have been implemented, along with mandatory training for all staff, to help prevent a similar incident from occurring again.

Ontario man Roland Carson, 58, has been charged with multiple fraud and money-laundering offences. Police have issued a warrant for his arrest.

RCMP are asking anyone with information about Carson’s whereabouts to contact Wood Buffalo RCMP or Crime Stoppers.

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