Nearly Half a Million Dollars Stolen from Hydro-Québec in Sophisticated Scam
You’re not going to believe what just came to light—a bold and highly targeted fraud has hit Hydro-Québec, and it’s shaken the confidence of many who thought these kinds of breaches only happened to smaller, less-equipped companies. But no—this time, it was our own provincial energy giant, Hydro-Québec, losing nearly $463,918 in an elaborate cyber scam.
So, what happened? Here's how it unfolded. About a year ago, a cybercriminal managed to gain access to the email account of one of Hydro-Québec’s legitimate suppliers. From there, they launched a very calculated and professional deception. The fraudster, posing as the supplier, contacted Hydro-Québec with a seemingly routine request: a change in banking details for an upcoming payment. The communication looked authentic, the request reasonable—and Hydro-Québec complied.
Before anyone realized what was going on, almost half a million dollars had been wired directly into the scammer’s hands.
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Fast forward to July 9th, 2025—the Sûreté du Québec, specifically their division specializing in financial crimes against the state, carried out multiple search operations in Brampton, Ontario . These were not random searches. They were strategic, aiming to gather evidence and push the investigation forward. At this point, no arrests have been made, but the operation indicates serious progress and the intent to bring the perpetrators to justice.
What makes this case even more alarming is the method used—known in the fraud world as the “fake supplier” scheme. It involves infiltrating trusted digital channels, like emails, and manipulating what looks like standard business communication to divert funds. While this type of scam isn’t new, it’s rare that a government-owned corporation like Hydro-Québec is targeted with such precision.
Investigators say the attack involved submitting a forged invoice and a fraudulent check specimen—again, all under the guise of legitimate financial procedures. It’s a chilling reminder that no one is immune to cybercrime, not even large public institutions.
Now, Hydro-Québec and law enforcement are working closely to recover the stolen funds and identify those responsible. And beyond this case, it’s sparking renewed conversations about the vulnerability of digital infrastructure , the importance of cyber-vigilance, and the urgent need for enhanced fraud detection systems within even the most secure entities.
It’s a story still unfolding—and it sends a clear message: cybersecurity is no longer optional. It’s a frontline battle, and even our most trusted organizations are at risk.
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