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FROM: Cyber-Enabled Fraud Team DATE: December 19, 2024

Project Atlas Stops $70M in Crypto Fraud, Freezes Millions in Stolen Funds

OPP disrupts global cryptocurrency scams, identifies thousands of victims worldwide

(OTTAWA, ON) - The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Cyber-Enabled Fraud Team (CEFT) and its partners, through Project Atlas, have prevented more than $70 million in cryptocurrency from being stolen by cybercriminals and frozen over $24 million in fraudulent losses. Working with law enforcement partners around the globe, investigators have identified over 2,000 cryptocurrency wallet addresses linked to fraud victims across 14 countries, including Canada, the United States, Australia, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

Project Atlas was a victim-centered initiative focused on disrupting organized cryptocurrency fraud schemes and raising public awareness about cryptocurrency investment scams. The OPP thanks its partners for their critical support, including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC), National Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (NC3), United States Secret Service (USSS), Ottawa Police Service (OPS), Sureté du Québec (SQ), Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF) and private-sector collaborators such as Chainalysis, Ndax, Shakepay and Coinbase.

QUOTES:
"Cryptocurrency investment frauds continue to devastate victims in Ontario and around the world, with these crimes becoming more sophisticated each year. Those engaged in fraudulent activities use manipulative social media ads, professional-looking websites, social engineering and increasingly complex technology to deceive their targets. I am proud of Project Atlas as an OPP-led, proactive, victim-centered approach to fighting cybercrime. I urge everyone to learn about cryptocurrency investment frauds and share this knowledge with loved ones to help protect them. Together, we can reduce the impact of these crimes on our communities."
Mike Bickerton, Detective Superintendent, Director of Financial Crime Services, Anti-Rackets Branch, Cyber-Enabled Fraud Team (CEFT) & Serious Fraud Office, Ontario Provincial Police

Members of the public are encouraged to visit opp.ca/Atlas to learn more about cryptocurrency investment frauds and how to prevent becoming a victim.
Remember: If you have been a victim of fraud or suspect fraudulent activity, immediately report it to your local police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501, or online via the Fraud Reporting System.

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Contact:
Detective Constable John Armit
OPP Anti-Rackets Branch
John.armit@opp.ca
Ph: 613-299-8543
opp.ca
Facebook/Instagram: @ontarioprovincialpolice
X: OPP_News

Good day,


Holiday Fraud Alert! The CAFC would like to warn Canadians traveling this holiday season that fraudsters continue to send phishing messages claiming that a payment for a toll fee is required immediately by following a link in the message.

Even if you've recently paid tolls or traveled, don't click on links in unsolicited messages and contact the agency or organization by looking up their legitimate phone number.



For more information on phishing: https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/scams-fraudes/phishing-hameconnage-eng.htm



FB EN: https://www.facebook.com/canantifraud/posts/pfbid02psbdS14DAxLcriUExr5HzreyDeysXamPRUkGSHkmcE4rK8MjG1Pnmh81xE2gH5Zkl

FB FR : https://www.facebook.com/antifraudecan/posts/pfbid02QcRfRrwEyPxJYaumuzMbpxCvVoFpCB6JkrMNeqoE6uekbyDcyEeyiekJ3fUwJS5tl



Twitter (X) EN: https://x.com/canantifraud/status/1867599600619508107

Twitter (X) FR : https://x.com/antifraudecan/status/1867600782478258649



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(MIDLAND,ON) - A sharp eyed officer from the Southern Georgian Bay OPP Detachment made an arrest solving an overnight break and enter to a popular Midland restaurant.

Officers were dispatched at approximately 2:39 a.m. December 11, 2024 to a report of an entry alarm at Mom's Restaurant on Pillsbury Drive, Midland. Although the officers attended the scene promptly the suspect had fled the scene after smashing the front glass entry door.
Video surveillance provided the officers with suspect descriptors and at 9:30 a.m. December 11, 2024 an OPP officer patrolling on William Street observed an individual matching the suspect descriptors. When the officer approached, a foot pursuit ensued resulting in an arrest of the suspect.

Charged in connection to this investigation is a 43 year-old male of Tay Township with the following criminal code offences.

Break, Enter a place - commit indictable offence
Mischief - destroys or damages property
Theft Under $5000
Possession Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000 - in Canada
Resist Peace Officer

The accused remains custody awaiting a bail hearing and will appear before the Ontario Court of Justice at a later date.
Incident # E241630879

FROM/DE: Southern Georgian Bay OPP Detachment DATE: December 5, 2024

North Simcoe Emergency Services Food/Toy Drive

Upcoming Dates and Locations

(MIDLAND, ON) - Members of the Southern Georgian Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) joined by members of the Penetanguishene, Midland, and Tiny Fire Services will be again collecting Food Stuffs/Toys/Donations for those in need on the following dates and area locations. This event formerly known as (Cram-A-Cruiser) has been occurring at this festive time of year for over 14 years with great community support for area food banks.

All donations with many thanks will provided to the North Simcoe area Salvation Area food banks for distribution.

On December 7, 14, 21 Emergency Services personnel will be collecting at the following retail stores-

No Frills Store - Midland,

Canadian Tire Store - Midland

Super Store - Midland

Foodland Stores - Midland and Penetanguishene

Thank you in advance to those community members who support this annual event.

FROM/DE: Southern Georgian Bay OPP Detachment DATE: December 5, 2024

The Festive Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (R.I.D.E.) Program Continues on Roadways in North Simcoe

(MIDLAND, ON) - Members of the Southern Georgian Bay OPP Detachment continue to participate in the Festive Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere R.I.D.E. program on roadways patrolled in North Simcoe. If the snow keeps falling and should area Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) open their trails, officers will be there to help ensure a safe day on the trails.

Since the Provincial Festive R.I.D.E kick off on November 21, 2024, officers have conducted the R.I.D.E. program at seventy five separate locations and have stopped over 1139 vehicles checking their drivers for signs of impairment.
Although the OPP runs its annual Festive RIDE campaign during the holiday season, RIDE spot checks are conducted throughout the year, 24/7. The OPP remains committed to taking alcohol/drug-impaired drivers off our roads through enforcement and public education. If you know or suspect that a driver is impaired by alcohol or drugs, call 9-1-1. In doing so, you may save a life.
Working with our road safety partners - The Safe and Sober Awareness Committee of North Simcoe along with the Simcoe Chapter of MADD Canada the OPP and our partners remind motorists to plan ahead and to use a designated driver, cab, public transit, or stay overnight. Any amount of alcohol or drugs can impact your ability to make sound judgements. Enforcement and education is essential to save lives and reduce injuries on our trails, roadways and waterways.