A lobbyist serves as a bridge between the public, policymakers, and government, advocating for legislative change that addresses pressing societal issues. As lobbyists for cybercrime victims, our role is to bring attention to the devastating impact of modern cybercrimes, including cryptocurrency fraud, human trafficking, and the financing of terrorism. This proposal seeks to amend Canada’s current laws to recognize cybercrime as a form of cyber-terrorism, particularly when it disrupts critical infrastructure, funds organized crime, or destabilizes communities. By highlighting the growing role of cyber-privateering—state-tolerated or sponsored digital attacks for economic and ideological purposes—we aim to connect these crimes to existing definitions of terrorism. Introducing this bill will ensure that perpetrators of cyber-enabled threats are held accountable under Canada’s terrorism provisions, while providing law enforcement with the tools and authority needed to combat this evolving threat effectively.
Cybercrime is "NOT" a nonviolent crime and is an act of Cyber-Violence.
Cybercrime & Cryptocurrency Fraud - NOTE - There is no criminal code
This NEEDS to change!
Cybercrime is no longer a mere nuisance; it is a direct threat to national security, economic stability, and individual well-being. The rise of sophisticated cybercriminal networks engaging in activities such as cryptocurrency fraud, human trafficking, and terrorism financing has blurred the lines between traditional crime and acts of war. This proposal seeks to amend Canadian law to classify certain forms of cybercrime as acts of cyber-terrorism, aligning legal frameworks with the modern realities of digital warfare.
The Case for Change
The current Canadian legal framework lacks explicit recognition of cybercrime as a form of terrorism. While terrorism is defined under the Criminal Code of Canada, it does not address the devastating impact of cyber-enabled attacks that are financially, socially, and politically motivated. This gap hinders our ability to prosecute and deter those who leverage cyber technology to inflict harm on Canadian citizens, businesses, and critical infrastructure.
Connecting Cybercrime and Cyber-Privateering / Cyber-Terrorism
At the heart of this proposal is the concept of Cyber-Privateering—a modern-day digital adaptation of historical privateering. Historically, privateering referred to state-sanctioned piracy, where private individuals or groups were authorized to attack and seize assets of enemy nations. Today, cyber-privateering involves criminal actors or state-sponsored groups engaging in cyberattacks for financial or political gain, often with tacit or explicit support from rogue states. This also includes governments who allow Cybercrime to continue within their boarders as a form of undocumented revenue to the contry.
Proposed Definition of Cyber-Privateering:
"Cyber-privateering is the commission of cyberattacks, including theft, extortion, and destruction, by non-state actors with the implicit or explicit support of a sovereign state, for the purpose of economic or strategic gain."
This definition highlights the organized, strategic nature of many cybercrimes, particularly those involving cryptocurrency fraud, human trafficking networks, and terrorism financing.
Proposal for Legislative ReformThis proposal advocates for the following changes to Canadian law:
Amendment to the Criminal Code of Canada:
Expand the definition of terrorism under Section 83.01 to include cyber-terrorism, defined as:
“Acts of cybercrime or cyber-privateering that are intended to cause harm, intimidate, or coerce a government, individual, or organization to advance political, ideological, or financial objectives.”
Explicit Recognition of Cryptocurrency Fraud in Cyber-Terrorism:
Classify large-scale cryptocurrency fraud that funds terrorism or disrupts critical infrastructure as acts of terrorism under Canadian law.
Harsher Penalties for Cyber-Terrorism Offenses:
Increase sentencing guidelines for cybercrime offenses tied to human trafficking, terrorism, or large-scale financial / cryptocurrency fraud.
Creation of a Cyber-Terrorism Task Force:
Establish a national task force to investigate and prosecute cases of cyber-terrorism, equipped with advanced tools for blockchain analysis, international cooperation mechanisms, and specialized legal expertise.
Implications of Reform
This legislation would empower Canadian law enforcement to:
Hold perpetrators of cybercrime accountable with the same gravity as physical acts of terrorism.
Strengthen Canada’s international stance against rogue states that sponsor cybercriminal activities.
Protect Canadians from the escalating threats posed by cryptocurrency fraud and human trafficking.
By recognizing cybercrime as a form of terrorism, Canada will lead the charge in addressing the digital threats of the 21st century. This legislative reform ensures that the law evolves alongside technology, creating a safer and more just society.
We need your support, to continue our effort and see this Bill taken to the Federal Level, we need the following: