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5 Things Every Canadian Should Know About Their Money Today

From a rate hold to a sovereign wealth fund — here's what's moving the needle on your finances right now. 01 — DEADLINE Today is the tax filing deadline — and your refund may be a lifeline April 30 is the last day most Canadians can file their 2025 income tax return without penalty. With the cost of living still squeezing household budgets, many Canadians are counting on their refund as a financial cushion. Filing late triggers a 5% penalty on any balance owing, plus 1% for each additional month. If you haven't filed yet, the CRA's NETFILE portal is still open — act before midnight. 02 — INTEREST RATES Bank of Canada holds steady at 2.25% — no relief yet for borrowers The Bank of Canada kept its policy rate at 2.25% yesterday — the third consecutive hold of 2026. Governor Tiff Macklem cited rising inflation driven by higher global energy prices tied to the Middle East conflict, while U.S. tariffs continue to weigh on exports. CPI inflation climbed to 2.4% in Ma...
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UK Twitter Hacker Ordered to Repay Millions in Bitcoin After Obama Account Breach

Barack Obama speaking at the 2011 correspondents' dinner where he publicly mocked Donald Trump

A British hacker involved in the infamous 2020 Twitter breach has been ordered to repay $5.4 million worth of Bitcoin following his conviction. Joseph James O’Connor, 26, was behind one of the most high-profile cyberattacks in recent years, which compromised accounts belonging to global figures including former U.S. President Barack Obama.

O’Connor, also known online as “PlugwalkJoe,” pleaded guilty in the United States to charges of computer intrusion, wire fraud, and extortion. He was sentenced to five years in prison in 2023 after being arrested in Spain in 2021 and extradited to the U.S. for trial.

The hack targeted dozens of celebrity and political accounts, using them to promote fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes. Victims were tricked into sending Bitcoin to wallets controlled by O’Connor and his associates. Investigators have now secured a civil recovery order to seize 42 Bitcoin and other crypto assets linked to the scam.

Authorities emphasized that even though O’Connor was prosecuted in the U.S., UK prosecutors pursued financial recovery to ensure he could not profit from his crimes.

This case highlights the growing international cooperation in tackling cybercrime, especially when attacks cross borders and involve high-profile victims. It also underscores the risks of online fraud schemes that exploit trusted platforms like Twitter.

Key Takeaways:

  • Joseph James O’Connor hacked Obama’s Twitter account in 2020.
  • He was sentenced to five years in prison in 2023.
  • UK prosecutors ordered him to repay $5.4 million in Bitcoin.
  • Authorities seized 42 Bitcoin and other crypto assets tied to the scam.
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