vaccine portal hack

Two people in Ontario arrested for allegedly hacking into the province's vaccine portal

Two people in Ontario were arrested this week in connection to a hacking of the province's vaccine portal system

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Cybercrime Team began investigating a series of spam text messages people received when they accessed vaccine appointments and certificates through the portal. 

On Monday, police say they advanced their investigation and executed two search warrants, one in Quebec, and another in Ottawa. 

After completing the warrants, they seized several laptops, computers, and other devices, presumably used in the security breaching of the portal. 

Two men, one from Gloucester Ont., and another from Vaudreuil-Dorion, Quebec, were arrested in connection to the incident. 

Ayoub Sayid,21, was an employee at the government's vaccine contact centre; he is charged with the Unauthorized Use of a Computer contrary to the s. 342.1(1)(c) of the Criminal Code

Rahim Abdu, 22, shares the same charge, which states that anyone who fraudulently obtains access to any computer service is in violation of the law. 

Police say that both men have been released from custody and are scheduled to appear in court. 

If you've been subject to suspicious text messages requesting financial or private information, O.P.P. says to contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) or your local police. 

Lead photo by

A Great Capture


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in City

Transit disruptions and events will make for chaotic weekend getting around Toronto

Campaign to fire TTC CEO Rick Leary gaining momentum

Toronto's next iconic bridge just started construction

Federal workers required to be in office three days a week and Canadians aren't happy

Parasitic 'vampire fish' populations about to explode in Ontario lakes and rivers

Canada Dental Benefit now accepting more people and here's who can apply

Toronto's top doctor doubles down on plan to decriminalize all drugs for personal use

Ontario might have to wait another whole month for sizzling summer weather