Canadian authorities have confirmed the arrest of Maxime Paquette in Mexico, a suspect sought since June 2024 in connection with investigations into the Desjardins credit union data breach. The arrest was carried out by Mexican authorities, according to the Quebec provincial police.
Paquette had been on the run for about a year after becoming a person of interest in the high-profile cyberincident, which exposed sensitive information associated with Desjardins Group, one of Canada’s largest credit unions. The incident prompted extensive investigations and international cooperation as investigators pursued leads beyond Canada’s borders.
The Quebec provincial police did not disclose further details about the circumstances of Paquette’s arrest or his current status in Mexico. They stated that the information comes from Mexican authorities and reiterated their ongoing collaboration with law enforcement agencies to resolve the case.
Desjardins officials previously described the breach as one of the largest in Canadian history, involving unauthorized access to personal data. Authorities have stressed the importance of securing personal information and have urged individuals to monitor accounts and report any suspicious activity.
No additional information was provided about potential charges, the location of Paquette at the time of arrest, or whether extradition proceedings are anticipated. The case remains under active investigation, with authorities in both Mexico and Canada continuing to exchange information as inquiries proceed.
The release underscores the transnational reach of cybercrime investigations and the role of international cooperation in pursuing suspects accused of contributing to major data breaches. Further updates are expected as authorities release more details about the arrest and its implications for the ongoing Desjardins case.