RCMP lay cyber-fraud charges tied to CERB in Ottawa–Gatineau

Community Safety Alert Overview

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Federal Policing – Central Region has charged eight people from Ottawa, Gatineau, and Montreal following a major cyber-enabled fraud investigation involving the federal Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) program. The case centres on allegations that organized networks used stolen identities to break into Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) online accounts and redirect emergency benefit payments.

The joint RCMP investigation began in August 2020 after a cyber attack targeting the CRA’s online portal. Investigators allege the group unlawfully accessed multiple taxpayer profiles, changed banking details, and diverted CERB funds into accounts they controlled. The RCMP reports that the total value of fraudulent claims tied to the accused is approximately $364,000 in losses to the Government of Canada. The accused are scheduled to appear in court in Montreal, Quebec on July 7, 2026.

Official RCMP Details

According to RCMP Federal Policing – Central Region, the investigation was led by the International Anti-Corruption Team within the Sensitive and International Investigations (SII) unit, working closely with the Cybercrime Investigative Team. With assistance from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), the Forensic Accounting and Management Group (FAMG), and the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC), investigators uncovered what they describe as a sophisticated, coordinated fraud scheme.

The RCMP alleges that networks of individuals:

• Stole or collected personal identity information from victims
• Used that information to gain unauthorized access to CRA online accounts
• Modified banking and payment details within those accounts
• Submitted fraudulent CERB claims and diverted payments into bank accounts under their control
• Defrauded the Government of Canada of approximately $364,000 in CERB benefits

Accused Individuals and Charges

The following individuals have been charged under the Criminal Code in connection with this investigation:

• Paul Harry Jayme, 39, of Montreal, Quebec
  Charges:
  • Fraud over $5,000, contrary to section 380(1)(a)
• Houssame Bennouna, 26, of Montreal, Quebec
  Charges:
  • Fraud over $5,000, contrary to section 380(1)(a)
• David Richard Thran, 25, of Ottawa, Ontario
  Charges:
  • Fraud over $5,000, contrary to section 380(1)(a)
  • Possession of identity information with intent to commit an indictable offence, contrary to section 402.2(1)
• Louis Henri Dacoury‑Tabley, 29, of Montreal, Quebec
  Charges:
  • Fraud over $5,000, contrary to section 380(1)(a)
  • Possession of identity information with intent to commit an indictable offence, contrary to section 402.2(1)
• Kouakou Ange Patrick Elliams Kouassi, 31, of Gatineau, Quebec
  Charges:
  • Fraud over $5,000, contrary to section 380(1)(a)
  • Possession of identity information with intent to commit an indictable offence, contrary to section 402.2(1)
• Lagaud Paul Andre Bouabre, 26, of Gatineau, Quebec
  Charges:
  • Fraud over $5,000, contrary to section 380(1)(a)
  • Possession of identity information with intent to commit an indictable offence, contrary to section 402.2(1)
• Mory Ismael Toure, 36, of Gatineau, Quebec
  Charges:
  • Possession of identity information with intent to commit an indictable offence, contrary to section 402.2(1)
• On May 29, 2025, Jospin Berol Mougang‑Tionjock, 28, of Montreal, Quebec, was also charged in relation to the same investigation:
  Charges:
  • Fraud over $5,000, contrary to section 380(1)(a)

All accused are scheduled for a court appearance in Montreal, Quebec on July 7, 2026.

CrimeCanada.ca Safety Perspective

From the perspective of CrimeCanada.ca, this case highlights the growing risk of cybercrime and identity theft for residents across Ontario and neighbouring regions. Fraud that targets government benefit programs depends on unauthorized access to personal data and online accounts, and similar threats can affect individuals in communities large and small. Our national coverage, including monitoring through resources like the Interactive Crime Map for Canada, shows that technology-driven scams are a persistent concern that cross provincial and municipal boundaries.

To reduce your risk, regularly review your CRA and banking accounts for unusual activity, enable multi-factor authentication where available, and never share login details or one-time codes. If you see unexpected changes to your tax or benefit information, contact the Canada Revenue Agency immediately and consider reporting suspected fraud to local police or the RCMP. For a broader picture of crime and safety patterns in Ontario communities, you can explore tools such as Ontario crime statistics and safety data to stay informed and engaged in keeping your neighbourhood secure.

---

Official Source & Community Safety

This safety alert is based on an official release from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). CrimeCanada.ca aggregates and analyzes this data to keep the ontario community informed, aware, and safe. We are an independent safety data aggregator and not the original creators of the underlying incident report.

Read the full official release here: RCMP Official Statement.