Calgary police, RCMP aid in international investigation into high-profile ransomware families, 5 arrested
Calgary police are releasing details of an intricate international ransomware investigation that saw five people arrested.
The investigation, dubbed Operation GoldDust, was led by Euopean investigators but supported by officers across the world including the Calgary Police Service (CPS), RCMP National Cybercrime Coordination Unit (NC3) and RCMP Technical Operations.
Over the course of the investigation, officers worked to determine who was believed to be responsible for 7,000 ransomware infections across the world, including 600 in Canada.
On Monday, Europol announced that five people had been arrested.
"Ransomware attacks continue to be one of the largest cyber-security threats to individuals and businesses around the globe," CPS said in a news release.
"Because of the nature of these cybercrimes, investigations into these attacks are often complex and involve offenders, digital evidence and computer infrastructure that are located in multiple jurisdictions."
The investigation, launched in January 2020, targeted the REvil ransomware family, also known as Sodinokibi.
"REvil/Sodinokibi is alleged to have been a ransomware-as-a-service (Raas) operation, which provided malware to affiliates in exchange for payment," CPS said.
"The affiliates would then carry out targeted and indiscriminate attacks to encrypt or steal a victim’s data and extort them for money in exchange for returning the data."
As a result of the Canadian investigation, CPS and the NC3 identified computer infrastructure and ransomware suspects in several European and Asian countries, as well as infrastructure in Canada.
"Policing efforts in the cyber realm are facing unprecedented challenges. However, as cyber criminals evolve, so do law enforcement and partners," CPS said.
Chris Lynam, director general of the NC3 and Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, said no organization can fight cybercrime alone.
"There is no shame in falling victim. Police are here to help and your reports can assist in taking down criminals, their networks and their assets.
Insp. Phil Hoetger of CPS Technical Investigations Section said though the arrests happened thousands of kilometers away, the crimes have very real impact on citizens in Calgary, and across Canada.
"This operation demonstrates the necessity for law enforcement to work together, share information and pool resources in today’s digital era," Hoetger said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Body of Quebec man who died in Cuba found in Russia, family confirms
A Montreal-area family confirmed to CTV News that the body of their loved one who died while on vacation in Cuba is being repatriated to Canada after it was mistakenly sent to Russia.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Saskatchewan isn't remitting the carbon tax on home heating. Why isn't my province following suit?
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
RCMP officers had no legal authority to enter man's home, make arrest: B.C. court
A B.C. man has been found not guilty of assaulting two RCMP officers – with the court finding he was resisting an "unlawful entry and arrest" in his home before he was tasered, taken down and hauled away in handcuffs.
'Deep ignorance': Calls for Manitoba trustee to resign sparked after comments about Indigenous people and reconciliation
A rural Manitoba school trustee is facing calls to resign over comments he made about Indigenous people and residential schools earlier this week.