Former RBC Employee Charged with $68K Fraud, Accessing Carney’s Info

UPDATE: A former RBC employee, Ibrahim El-Hakim, has been charged with defrauding the bank of $68,500 and unauthorized access to Prime Minister Mark Carney’s banking profile. The shocking allegations were revealed in newly released court documents, igniting widespread concern over banking security.

El-Hakim, a 23-year-old from Ottawa, failed to appear in an Ontario court on October 25, 2023. His lawyer, Ron Guertin, indicated he is awaiting crucial evidence from the Crown before moving forward. The RCMP formally laid the charges later that day, which include four counts of fraud over $5,000, unauthorized use of a computer, identity theft, and trafficking in identity information.

According to investigators, the offenses allegedly occurred between November 16, 2023, and June 18, 2025. El-Hakim was hired by RBC in 2022 as a client advisor at the Bank Street branch in downtown Ottawa, just a stone’s throw from Parliament Hill. His duties involved accessing sensitive customer files and approving credit lines.

A startling affidavit obtained by Postmedia details how El-Hakim was allegedly approached by an individual using the alias “AI WORLD” via Telegram, an encrypted messaging app often associated with illicit activities. He reportedly received $500 per fraudulent transaction, leading to an estimated profit of $5,000 through this scheme.

El-Hakim is accused of exploiting his access to view confidential client profiles, including that of Carney, and even accessing an account named “Justin Trudeau,” though police assert this account does not belong to the former prime minister. The documents suggest that he may have sold or distributed personal information, aware that it could be used for fraudulent purposes.

The financial repercussions for RBC are severe, with losses amounting to $68,500 due to El-Hakim’s alleged actions. However, the RCMP has not confirmed whether any charges are directly related to the unauthorized access of Carney’s personal data.

Guertin defended El-Hakim, stating outside court that the case has been “sensationalized” because of its connection to the Prime Minister, emphasizing that it revolves around alleged internal misconduct rather than national security concerns.

As the investigation continues, RBC has stated that it takes client information security seriously and is cooperating fully with law enforcement. The bank has not provided specific comments regarding the case.

El-Hakim remains free on conditions pending trial, with the next court appearance scheduled for November 5, 2023. As this case unfolds, it raises critical questions about data security in financial institutions and the safeguards in place to protect sensitive information.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story that could have broader implications for banking security and privacy rights in Canada.