VANCOUVER – The Canada Revenue Agency says a worker arrested in Vancouver for alleged identity theft and trafficking of private information is no longer with the agency.
A spokesman with the agency did not say when Yoan Zola’s employment with the agency ended, only describing him as a former employee.
The agency says it is aware of the arrest, and any allegations of breach of trust are taken seriously and thoroughly investigated to uphold the confidence of the Canadian public.
The RCMP said Tuesday the 35-year-old man was working at the agency’s Vancouver operation and was arrested on Jan. 29 after a four-year investigation set off when the CRA notified police.
Zola faces six charges, including breach of trust, trafficking identity information, identity theft and fraud under $5,000.
He has since been released on bail and is expected to appear in Vancouver provincial court in April.
“Any allegations or suspicions of employee misconduct are taken seriously and are promptly and thoroughly investigated. When wrongdoing or misconduct is founded, appropriate measures are taken,” an email response from the agency says.
It says the confidence and trust that Canadians have in the agency is of “the utmost importance.”
“The CRA has measures in place to ensure the highest standard of employee conduct is upheld, and has vigorous processes in place to assess that any individuals who have access to government information and assets are reliable and trustworthy.”
The agency also says all the victims of the private information breach have been contacted.
