New prosecutor added in fight against

high-tech crime

Steve Bilodeau

Cyber-criminals beware: Steve Bilodeau is Canada’s first full-time Internet and technology crime prosecutor – and he’s out to get you.

Bilodeau, a former member of Alberta Justice’s General Prosecutions and Appeals Branches, was appointed Technology and Internet Crime Coordinator on February 1, 2003, and will take the lead on cases involving offences committed over the Internet, computer hacking and other crimes that involve significant use of computers.

“Cyber crime isn’t a crime of the future — it’s happening today,” Bilodeau said. “This is an exciting and challenging opportunity that will help Alberta take a proactive step in investigating and prosecuting those who use technology for criminal activities.”

In his new position with the department’s Special Prosecutions Branch, Bilodeau will be working with law enforcement investigators and prosecutors in Alberta, across Canada and internationally on technology crime cases. He is also building bridges with private sector corporations involved in the Internet.

“If law enforcement and the prosecution service can work more closely with Internet providers, hopefully we can develop a more efficient and effective response to some of these crimes,” he said.

In addition to prosecuting and providing litigation support to other Alberta prosecutors on technology crime cases, Bilodeau will provide advice and training to law enforcement agencies on technology crime investigation.

He will become the primary contact for hacking cases, which involve using computers to affect the confidentiality, integrity or availability of data, and will also handle cases involving the use of computers to commit traditional offences, including Internet fraud and the distribution of child pornography.

Justice Minister Dave Hancock noted the position reflects Alberta Justice’s commitment to building a prosecution service to address both current and future needs.

“With Steve’s vast experience as both a prosecutor and with computer technology, he’ll be a tremendous asset to our prosecution service and as an advisor to police investigations involving technology,” Hancock said.

Cyber crime facts

What is cyber crime? A criminal offence where a computer is the object of the crime (e.g. hacking, malicious distribution of computer viruses), or the tool used to commit a material component of the offence (e.g. child pornography, criminal harassment, fraud).

Canada was one of the first countries to enact criminal laws in the area of computer crime in 1985. Charges added to the Criminal Code at that time included unauthorized use of a computer, mischief in relation to data, possession of a device to obtain telecommunication facility or service and theft of telecommunication service.

In 1992, online retailers lost over $700 million US to fraud, 5.2 per cent of online shoppers were victims of credit card fraud and 1.2 per cent had their identities stolen.

Crime Stats...

* Source Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics, Canadian Crime statistics 2001.

View larger graphs in a new window.

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