An RBC worker faces charges after reportedly viewing Prime Minister Mark Carney’s bank account without permission, according to the RCMP. The Canadian Press
RCMP File Charges Against RBC Employee
The RCMP arrested a 23‑year‑old Ottawa man employed by RBC. They charged him with fraud over $5,000, identity theft, unauthorized computer use, and trafficking in identity information. Officials claim he accessed Prime Minister Mark Carney’s bank profile without permission.
Other Profiles Possibly Accessed
Court papers show that the same person also viewed someone named Justin Trudeau’s banking profile. Authorities later confirmed this individual isn’t the former prime minister. Documents suggest criminals may have planned a wider scheme using bank computer systems.
How the Alleged Breach Happened
The person charged, Ibrahim El‑Hakim, joined RBC in 2022. He worked at a branch near Parliament Hill. Investigators say he used RBC’s information technology services to prepare fake bank profiles and obtain credit lines. He admitted to these things during an internal security interview. Video evidence appears in the court documents.
El‑Hakim told police someone using a Telegram account called “AI WORLD” recruited him. The court filing suggests that account may link to organized crime. The person asked him to access banking profiles, including those of Carney and the Trudeau profile, on June 17. He said he got $500 each time he fulfilled one of those requests, totalling about $5,000.
After the Arrest
Authorities arrested El‑Hakim on July 10. They later released him under certain conditions. The RCMP said they do not believe there was risk to Carney’s safety or Canada’s national security.
RBC confirmed El‑Hakim no longer works for them. The bank said it supported the investigation fully.
Finance Minister François‑Philippe Champagne said this case shows why banks need strong privacy rules. “It just reminds everyone that privacy and having systems to prevent fraudulent access to anyone’s file is something we should all be concerned about,” he stated.
Uncertain Outcome
Authorities have not proven these allegations yet. These remain charges until a court decides.
