Alberta prosecutor to fight high-tech crime

Steven Bilodeau has become Canada's first full-time Crown prosecutor committed to criminal cases involving technology.

Bilodeau, a former member of Alberta Justice's General Prosecutions and Appeals Branches, has been appointed as the province's Technology and Internet Crime Coordinator and will take the lead on cases involving crimes committed over the Internet, computer hacking and other crimes that involve significant use of computers.

"Modern technology can make it very difficult and costly for police to detect and investigate criminal activities and for our prosecution service and courts to process these cases," said Dave Hancock, Alberta's justice minister. "Dedicating a prosecutor full-time to this relatively new and rapidly changing area of the law will help ensure that Alberta's prosecution service keeps pace with those who use technology for criminal activities."

In this position, Bilodeau will become the primary contact for cases involving hacking, such as those cases involving computer use affecting the confidentiality, integrity or availability of data. He will also handle cases involving the use of computers to commit traditional offences, including Internet fraud and the distribution of child pornography.

As Technology and Internet Crime Coordinator with Justice's Special Prosecutions Branch, Bilodeau will be working with law enforcement investigators and prosecutors in Alberta, across Canada and internationally on technology crime cases.

"His extensive experience both as a prosecutor and with computer technology will serve Steve well in this new position," Hancock added.

In addition to prosecuting and providing litigation support to other Alberta prosecutors on technology crime cases, Bilodeau will also provide advice and training to law enforcement agencies on technology crime investigation.

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