Ottawa-based cyberfraudster sentenced to 2 years

An Ottawa man convicted on charges related to a ransomware attack affecting hundreds of victims was sentenced to two years behind bars on Friday.

An Ottawa man convicted on charges related to a ransomware attack affecting hundreds of victims was sentenced to two years behind bars on Friday.

Matthew Philbert, 33, was arrested by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) in late 2021 following a lengthy investigation that also involved the RCMP, the FBI and Europol.

Philbert was accused of co-ordinating ransomware attacks on private citizens, businesses and government agencies in Canada, along with "cyber-related offences" in the U.S.

He was charged with fraud, unauthorized use of a computer and possession of device to obtain unauthorized use of a computer system or to commit mischief. He ultimately pleaded guilty to four counts of fraud and fraud-related charges.