A Canada Revenue Agency employee in British Columbia has been charged with several criminal offences following a years-long investigation into an alleged breach of taxpayer information.
The investigation began in March 2022 after the Canada Revenue Agency reported that an employee had allegedly compromised confidential taxpayer data.
The case was handled by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Federal Policing Pacific Region. After nearly four years of investigation, officers arrested 35-year-old Yoan Zola in Vancouver on Jan. 29.
Authorities said Zola is facing multiple charges, including identity theft, fraud under $5,000, fraudulent personation, trafficking in identity information, breach of trust and using a credit card obtained through crime.
Police have not released detailed information about how the taxpayer information was allegedly compromised. However, officials said individuals affected by the incident have been notified.
Investigators said the case is now before the courts and no additional details will be released at this stage.
It is not yet clear whether Zola continued working for the Canada Revenue Agency after the investigation began in 2022 or how long he may have remained employed.
The accused has been released on bail with conditions and is scheduled to appear in court again on April 16.