The Sûreté du Québec announced more arrests today stemming from the data breach disclosed in 2019 affecting Mouvement Desjardins. Some of this site’s previous coverage on that breach is linked from here.
Members of the Economic Crimes Investigation Department of the Sûreté du Québec made arrests this morning as part of the Portier investigation, concerning the theft and resale of personal information of the 9.7 million members and clients of the Desjardins Movement.
Sébastien Boulanger-Dorval, 42, Jean-Loup Masse-Leullier, 32, François Baillargeon-Bouchard, 35, and Laurence Bernier, 29, were arrested and will appear this afternoon in connection with charges including fraud , identity theft and trafficking in identifying information.
Charles Bernier, 31, and Mathieu Joncas, 38, who are both currently outside the country, are the subject of arrest warrants in connection with this case.
In addition, Canada-wide arrest warrants have been issued for Maxime Paquette, 38, and Juan Pablo Serrano, 38. On the run abroad, they are now among the most wanted criminals in Quebec .
Started in June 2019, the Portier project aimed to trace individuals who stole, used and distributed lists of personal data for fraudulent purposes. The investigation reveals that an employee of the financial institution acted illegally.
The Economic Crimes Investigation Service’s mandate is to investigate network fraud or economic crimes, or those with provincial or extra-provincial ramifications, targeting the public, financial institutions, businesses, private organizations or ‘State. Through its provincial coordination, the Service ensures that it offers optimal support to municipal police units and forces in the processing of financial crime files under their responsibility.
Any information on criminal acts or suspicious events can be communicated to the Criminal Information Center of the Sûreté du Québec at 1 800 659-4264 .