Spoofing is when a scammer uses a device to mask their real phone number and display a different number that does not actually belong to the caller.

Be aware that government agencies, including police:

• Will never ask you to make payments using bitcoin or gift cards,
• Will not show up to your residence to collect money for a child in jail
• Will not ask for your personal information such as your Social Insurance Number (SIN), your date of birth (DOB) or phone number over the phone.

Please also be aware that the RCMP in Ontario is not the police of jurisdiction. In Ontario, the RCMP enforces federal laws, including national security, border integrity, transnational, serious and organized crime and financial crimes such as cybercrime, money laundering and counterfeiting.

If you suspect that you are being scammed, hang up. If you have been a victim of a scam, please report it to your local police. You can also report any scams to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

Stay informed about the latest scams.

Protect yourself from spoofing

• Never assume that phone numbers appearing on your call display are accurate
• Hang up and make the outgoing call when someone claims to be contacting you from your financial institution, service provider, law enforcement or government agency
• Call the company or agency in question directly, if you receive a text message or email. Make sure you research their contact information and don’t use the information provided in the first message
• Never click on links received via text message or email
• When visiting a website, always verify the URL and domain to make sure you are on the official website.

With questions or concerns about whether an RCMP police officer from Thunder Bay has or is trying to contact you, call the RCMP Thunder Bay Detachment directly, Monday-Friday, 8 am-4 pm, 807-623-2791.

___________________________

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These online groups have ties to known Ideologically Motivated Violent Extremist (IMVE) entities and are targeting youth online with the intention of getting them to record or live-stream acts of self-harm, suicide, animal torture and/or produce child sexual abuse material. The footage is then circulated among online networks and used to further control and extort the young victims. In many cases, perpetrators are minors themselves. Victims may end up being encouraged or coerced into victimizing others.

Key motivators for members of these groups are to spread their ideology, gain notoriety, collect extreme violent online content, and rise in status within their groups.

They operate on publicly available platforms, including gaming platforms, social media sites and mobile applications that are popular with youth (Roblox, Discord, Minecraft, Twitch, Telegram, Steam, etc.). This type of offence usually starts with a direct message through gaming platforms and can move to more private chatrooms on other virtual platforms, typically one with video enabled features, where the conversation quickly becomes sexualized or violent.

One of the tactics being used by these actors is sextortion, however, they are not using it to extract money or for sexual gratification. Instead they use it to further manipulate and control victims to produce more harmful and violent content as part of their ideological objectives and radicalization pathway.

One IMVE group targeting children is commonly known as the 764 network (or “the com”) but goes by various monikers. Some of the largest sub-groups are known as: CVLT, Court, Kaskar, Harm Nation, Leak Society, 7997, 8884, 2992, 6996, 555, Slit Town, 545, 404, NMK, 303, and H3ll.

There are many major crimes being committed by these groups. Most concerning is the sexual exploitation, harm inflicted on children and animals, and aim to get victims to commit suicide on camera.

Warning signs       

The following are some key indicators that your child could be the target of an IMVE group creating child sexual abuse and violent content online:

• They are on the mobile application Discord, Telegram or other encrypted communications platforms and for which you have no visibility as a parent.
• They are receiving anonymous gifts, items delivered to your home, currency, gaming currency or other virtual items.
• They are demonstrating an interest or affinity to extreme messaging online, including conspiracy theories, anti-government rhetoric, or sympathy/support toward extreme messaging or online propaganda.
• They are demonstrating a newfound and abrupt interest in questioning or rejecting moral constraints on their behaviour, together with an interest in Nazism, school shootings, serial killers, or occultism.
• Family pets or other animals are being harmed or die suspiciously.
• You notice a family pet is uncharacteristically avoiding or fearful of your child or you.
• Writing in blood or what appears to be blood.
• They have a new online “friend” or network they seem infatuated with and/or scared of.
• They are covering their skin in unusual ways.
• They are going through more bandages, or showing evidence of cuts, carvings on their skin, stab wounds and more.
• They are more quiet than usual and uncharacteristically withdrawn.
• They are excessively moody and on edge.
• Their grades are dropping.
• They are spending more time on the internet, unsupervised or alone in their room.
• They are spending more money online or asking for money more often than usual.
• They are scrawling names and/or numbers in notebooks, diaries, loose papers.

Note: These indicators alone may not be significant, however when considering them in clusters or with the totality of circumstances, could have more meaning and reason for concern.

Help RCMP take action

Canadian victims have come forward and there are likely more victims across the country.

RCMP asks parents, guardians and adults in positions of authority to keep an eye out for indicators that a child or youth is being targeted or exploited and report the information to Cybertip.ca or your local police. If you believe someone is in immediate danger, please call 9-1-1.

Your report could be the missing piece to preventing more harm.

The post RCMP Reminds Canadians About Violent Online Groups Targeting Youth appeared first on Muskoka411.

Following a lengthy national security investigation, the following charges have been laid:

• Participating in the activities of a terrorist group for the purpose of enhancing the ability of the terrorist group to carry out terrorist activity, contrary to Sec. 83.18(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada
• Counselling another person to commit a terrorism offence, contrary to Sec. 83.221(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada

The individual will appear remotely via video link for a court appearance on August 27.

As the alleged offences took place when the individual was a youth, the Youth Criminal Justice Act prevents any further release of information regarding this individual. The RCMP is continuing to investigate and assess possible impacts of this alleged activity. At this time, there are no known associated risks to the public.

The RCMP continues to be concerned with the growing trend of violent extremism. Radicalization to violence is a phenomenon that is not driven by any particular background, culture or religion. Public Safety’s Canada Centre for Community Engagement and Prevention of Violence leads the Government of Canada’s efforts to counter radicalization to violence and aims to complement national security and criminal justice efforts, including through support of programs to prevent and intervene with individuals and groups at-risk of radicalization to violence, as well as with those who want to leave violent extremism behind.

The post RCMP Lays Terrorism Charges In The GTA appeared first on Muskoka411.

1. on July 23, discovered 20 cases of contraband cigarettes,
2. on July 24, led to the seizure of 2,400 nicotine vaping devices, and
3. on July 25, led to the seizure of 82 garbage bags (1,476.55 kg) of unstamped fine cut tobacco.

After further investigation, RCMP Federal Police have charged:

1. Mathieu Cameron-Lalonde (26) and Justin Cameron (35) both from Cornwall Ontario, for violation of section 32(1) of the Excise Act 2001
2. Shane Jacobs (31) of Kahnawake Quebec, for violation of section 158.44(1) of the Excise Act 2001, and
3. Owen Francis (34) of Akwesasne, for violation of section 32(1) of the Excise Act 2001.

Court appearances will be September 5^th, 2024 for Mr. Cameron-Lalonde and Mr. Cameron, and September 10^th, 2024 for both Mr. Jacobs and Mr. Francis.

“The RCMP and its partners are firmly committed to combating illegal activities at our borders, which are detrimental to local businesses facing unfair competition from unlawful products. Our collaboration with the Canada Border Services Agency is crucial in addressing these challenges. Profits from this illegal trade often fund organized crime and other illicit activities, highlighting the importance of our joint efforts in curbing these threats.” Inspector Etienne Thauvette, Officer-in-Charge, Cornwall Detachment.

“CBSA officers are committed to disrupting organized crime by intercepting contraband. By seizing smuggled goods, we stop proceeds from being reinvested into other criminal activity, including the purchase and transportation of narcotics and firearms. We will continue to work with the RCMP and other law enforcement partners to keep our communities safe.” Jag Johnston, Regional Director General, Northern Ontario Region, Canada Border Services Agency

Images can be found on the RCMP Central Region News Page.

Fast Facts

The CRTF is a joint task force made up of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), and the Ontario Ministry of Finance. We work closely with our trusted US partners to combat crime on both sides of the border.

Law enforcement agencies work diligently to make our communities a safer place to live but your assistance in remaining vigilant and informing us of any suspicious activities will help us be even more effective. If you have any information related to smuggling, drug importation, trafficking, or possession, or wish to report other criminality, you can contact local police, the RCMP Cornwall Detachment at 613-937-2800, the Ontario RCMP at 1-800-387-0020, the confidential CBSA Border Watch toll-free line at 1-888-502-9060 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), at any time.

The post RCMP And The CBSA Stop Multiple Tobacco Smugglers appeared first on Muskoka411.

Threats to Canada’s national security are a top investigational priority for the RCMP. This past weekend, GTA INSET arrested a father and son at a hotel in Richmond Hill, who were in the advanced stages of planning a serious, violent attack in Toronto. The RCMP are alleging that the accused knowingly facilitated terrorist activity in the Greater Toronto Area.  There is no evidence to suggest that there is any remaining risk to the public.

Ahmed Eldidi (62) and Mostafa Eldidi (26) have each been charged with the following:

• Participation in the activities of a terrorist group, contrary to Sec. 83.18 of the Criminal Code
• Facilitating terrorist activity, contrary to Sec. 83.19 of the Criminal Code;
• One count each of Possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose, contrary to Sec. 83.2 of the Criminal Code;
• Conspiracy to commit murder, contrary to Sec. 83.27 of the Criminal Code.

In addition, Ahmed Eldidi faces an additional charge for:

• Aggravated assault, contrary to Sec. 83.2 of the Criminal Code.

Court for both Mostafa and Ahmed Eldidi has been scheduled for August 1, 2024 at 9AM (virtual).

GTA INSET would like to thank the Ministry of the Attorney General of Ontario, Public Prosecution Service of Canada, Canadian Security Intelligence Service, Toronto Police Service, the Canada Border Service Agency, Ontario Provincial Police, York Regional Police Service, Peel Regional Police Service, and Durham Regional Police Service for their collaboration on this successful investigation.

“I am very proud of the impressive team effort that made these arrests possible. I also want to thank our law enforcement partners in the INSET group for their invaluable assistance. The RCMP Federal Police take all threats to our national security very seriously. This was an imminent threat and we were able to prevent serious injuries or loss of life.” – Assistant Commissioner Matt Peggs, Regional Commander for RCMP Federal Policing Central Region

The post Father And Son Charged For Being In Advanced Stages Of Planning Terror Attack In Toronto appeared first on Muskoka411.

Mr. Bhoi convinced several new friends to invest in shares of a company. He allegedly told these friends the investment would make them a lot of money, by showing them false documents to entice them into believing his scheme. But it was a complete deception. Mr. Bhoi did not own, or have a right to sell, any shares of the company. His friends’ return on their investments would be a total loss of all their funds. Mr. Bhoi, on the other hand, pocketed CA$40,000 belonging to his deceived friends.

Mr Bhoi’s plans were foiled when the Ontario Securities Commission referred their suspicions to the RCMP Integrated Market Enforcement Team (IMET), who then investigated. As a result of the investigation the following charges have been laid against Mr. Bhoi:

Harvinder Singh Bhoi, 55, of Toronto

• Fraud Over $5000 contrary to Section 380(1)(a) of the Criminal Code

Mr. Bhoi’s first court appearance will be at the Ontario Court of Justice, 10 Armoury St., Toronto on March 25, 2024 at 11:00 a.m.

The GTA IMET would like to thank the Ontario Securities Commission and the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis of Canada (FINTRAC) for their assistance in this investigation.

“We are very pleased with the investigation the IMET team conducted. Working with our partners we thwarted an attempt of thousands of dollars in fraudulent funds”.
Satish Tarachandra, Inspector, Officer in charge of GTA IMET

The post Beware Of New “Friends” Asking For Money appeared first on Muskoka411.

A Hawkesbury resident recently received a pop-up message on her screen indicating that there was a virus on her computer and to contact “Apple” at a number provided. The victim called the number and was directed to download a popular remote entry software, allowing the fraudster, posing as a tech support employee, then gained control of the victim’s computer.

The fraudster proceeded to tell the victim that her Internet Protocol (IP) address was associated to an international child pornography and money laundering investigation and quickly “transferred” the victim to a fake RCMP Cyber Crimes Investigator. The savvy victim challenged the fraudster with questions and was able to determine it was a fraud. The victim promptly notified the OPP, who provided the victim with resources and information allowing her to flag her financial accounts and mitigate any financial losses.

In 2023, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) received reports totaling $22.2 million in losses related to service frauds.

Warning Signs – How to Protect Yourself

• Be suspicious about unsolicited phone calls, emails or pop-ups stating your computer/device is infected with a virus, a threat has been detected or a subscription will be automatically renewed.
• Look up the legitimate phone number for the company and communicate with them directly by always making the outgoing call.
• Never allow an individual to remotely access your computer. If you are experiencing problems with your operating system, bring it to a local technician.
• Never provide any personal or financial information over the telephone, unless you initiated the call.

Remember, if you become a victim to of a fraud or know someone who has, contact your local police service to report the crime and report it to the CAFC at 1-888-495-8501 or online on the Fraud Reporting System (FRS), even if a financial loss did not occur.

Follow our social media, using hashtags #FPM2024, #kNOwfraud and @canantifraud, as we will be posting on information on fraud prevention via social media each week during the month of March.

The post Fraudsters Claiming To Be An Investigator From The RCMP appeared first on Muskoka411.

RCMP were notified of a custody dispute on July 7, 2023. Officers conducted an extensive investigation and determined that Malleck has taken custody of the child with intent to deprive the father of his parental rights.

In consultation with Manitoba Prosecution Service, a warrant of arrest has been issued for Malleck.

The RCMP have no reason to believe the child is in danger.

Holly Malleck is 5’3″, approximately 200 lbs with red hair and brown eyes. Her appearance may have changed.

Amelia Deonaraine, 3, is 3’2″, approximately 35 lbs with brown hair and brown eyes.

Police in Stratford, Ont. say they have received information that 35-year-old Holly Malleck and her daughter, Amelia Deonaraine, may be in the southwest Ontario city.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Holly Malleck and Amelia Deonaraine are asked to call St-Pierre-Jolys RCMP at 204-433-7433 or their local police agency, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

The post Manitoba Woman Suspected Of Abducting Daughter Could Be In Ontario appeared first on Muskoka411.

The book features 150 short stories directly from Members in communities across Canada on a variety of topics:

• Realities of preventing, investigating, and solving real-life crimes across Canada and beyond
• Youth empowerment, anti-drug and gang education, and promoting healthy and positive relationships with law enforcement
• Mental health impacts from the unique stressors and trauma of policing, including in-depth stories about mental and physical health
• On-duty injury and recovery
• Specialized training and unique specialized positions within the RCMP (Police Service Dogs, Emergency Response Team, Community Outreach, Police Mental Outreach Teams, etc.)
• Community service and local impact through various programs and initiatives

“These are the real stories of our Members, replicated every day thousands of times over, all across and beyond Canada,” said Brian Sauvé, President and CEO, National Police Federation. “Their stories provide a unique and too-often overlooked glimpse into the experiences and dedication of the approximately 20,000 Members we proudly represent here and internationally.”

In the highly criticized and scrutinized world of policing, Member successes are not often acknowledged or celebrated and yet – every day – Members take extraordinary and even heroic actions that never make headlines. Above all, these stories show police officers as real people, making a difference and why they serve.

The post “Why We Serve: Stories Of Today’s RCMP Members” Celebrates RCMP 150th Anniversary appeared first on Muskoka411.

On April 17, 2023, Jasbir Singh, a Canadian resident, entered the country in a commercial truck at the Ambassador Bridge port of entry in Windsor, Ontario. The truck was referred for a secondary examination. During the inspection of the truck cabin, border services officers discovered 60 bricks of suspected cocaine, weighing approximately 60 kilograms in total.

The CBSA arrested Singh, 40, of Paris, Ontario, and seized the suspected cocaine. The RCMP charged him with:

• Importation of Cocaine, contrary to Section 6(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
• Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking, contrary to Section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

The matter is currently before the Ontario Court of Justice, in Windsor, Ontario.

“The safety and security of Canadians is our government’s top priority. By stopping illegal drugs at the border, we’re keeping our communities safe. This seizure is another great example of the ongoing cooperation between the CBSA and the RCMP in securing our borders.” –  The Honourable Marco Mendicino, Minister of Public Safety

“This is exemplary work by our team of dedicated CBSA officers in the Southern Ontario Region. The excellent working partnership we have with the RCMP is a great benefit in fighting organized smuggling efforts and protecting our communities.”  –  Joseph Chayeski, Director, Ambassador Bridge District Operations, Canada Border Services Agency

“The RCMP and the CBSA have once again joined forces to keep our neighbourhoods safe. Keeping harmful drugs off the streets of our cities, towns or communities is always a priority for both agencies. We take pride in our collaboration to keep Canadians safe from crime.” –  Superintendent Rae Bolsterli, Officer in Charge, RCMP Border Integrity Program, O Division

• For the latest narcotics statistics, visit Canada Border Services Agency seizures.
  
  
• If you have information about suspicious cross-border activity, please contact the CBSA Border Watch Line at 1-888-502-9060.
  
  
• Anyone with information regarding criminal activity is encouraged to contact their local police, the RCMP at 1-800-387-0020 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.

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