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Weirfoulds LLP
Combating Cybercrime and Crypto Fraud in Canada: What the Courts, Law Enforcement, Regulators and Industry Can Do to Turn the Tide

Combating Cybercrime and Crypto Fraud in Canada: What the Courts, Law Enforcement, Regulators and Industry Can Do to Turn the Tide

Hybrid Seminar

Length

2 hr 30 min

WeirFoulds LLP (in partnership with the Canadian Institute for the Administration of Justice (CIAJ)) brings together multi-disciplinary Canadian thought leaders for a timely discussion on the widespread impact of cybercrime and crypto fraud on everyday Canadians, and the resulting pressures on our legal system. These expert panels will explore how the courts, lawyers, regulators, law enforcement and industry leaders can work together to better understand the impact of these crimes, identify vulnerabilities in our infrastructure and assess what cross-sector collaboration can do to provide practical solutions for the millions of Canadian victims.

Agenda

  1. 8:00 – 8:30 AM

    Break

    Registration and Breakfast

  2. 8:30 – 8:40 AM

    Opening

    Opening Remarks

    • Benjamin Bathgate Host · Partner and Chair, Commercial Litigation and Blockchain Disputes | WeirFoulds LLP
    • The Honourable Michael H. Tulloch Opening remarks · Chief Justice of Ontario | Court of Appeal for Ontario
  3. 8:40 – 9:25 AM

    Plenary

    Panel 1 — Fighting Cybercrime and Crypto Fraud: How Courts, Lawyers and Law Enforcement Can Work Together

    Details

    This panel will bring together leaders from the judiciary, law enforcement, and government to examine the growing impact of cybercrime and crypto fraud in Canada. Through a victim-focused discussion, panelists will explore barriers to investigation, asset recovery, and compensation, while identifying opportunities for greater coordination among courts, regulators, law enforcement, and private-sector stakeholders. Discussion Highlights: • Why cybercrime and crypto fraud remain difficult to investigate, prevent, and remedy. • The access-to-justice challenges facing victims and strategies to improve recovery outcomes. • How courts, law enforcement, government, and industry can collaborate more effectively to combat digital crime. • Lessons learned from successful multi-agency enforcement initiatives, including: • Operation Avalanche • The TradeOgre investigation and takedown

    • Benjamin Bathgate Host · Partner and Chair, Commercial Litigation and Blockchain Disputes | WeirFoulds LLP
    • Michael Fawcett Panelist · Team Lead, Cybercrime & Cryptocurrency Team | Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General
    • John Armit Panelist · Acting Detective Sergeant, IFARI | Ontario Provincial Police
    • The Honourable Justice Clayton Conlan Panelist · Justice | Ontario Superior Court of Justice
  4. 9:25 – 9:35 AM

    Break

    Break

  5. 9:35 – 10:20 AM

    Plenary

    Panel 2 — Stopping Crypto Fraud in Canada: What More Can Industry and Regulators Do?

    Details

    This panel will examine why cybercrime and crypto fraud remain persistent and growing threats in Canada despite increased awareness, regulation, and enforcement efforts. Industry leaders, market participants, and regulators will discuss how public and private stakeholders can work together to strengthen prevention, detection, reporting, and market integrity. Discussion Highlights: • Why cybercrime and crypto fraud continue to grow in Canada. • The role of banks, financial institutions, crypto platforms, and regulators in preventing fraud. • Opportunities for earlier intervention, information sharing, and stronger market safeguards.

    • Maureen Ward Moderator · Partner, Commercial Litigation and Blockchain Disputes | WeirFoulds LLP
    • Alexandra Posadzki Panelist · Reporter and Author | The Globe and Mail
    • Jonathan Rizzo Panelist · Director & Team Lead, Digital Finance | ATB Financial
    • Gavin Smyth Panelist · Head of Criminal Investigations & Prosecutions | Ontario Securities Commission
  6. 10:20 – 11:30 AM

    Session

    Audience Discussion

Key Takeaway

The program is designed to move beyond technical cryptocurrency discussions and focus on a broader question:

How can Canada's justice system, regulators, law enforcement, and industry work together to better protect victims, improve access to justice, and reduce the impact of cybercrime and crypto-enabled fraud?

This program qualifies for three (3) hours of substantive content by the LSO.