RCMP investigate Chinese 'police service stations' in the GTA
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The RCMP is investigating reports that Chinese “police service stations” are operating in the GTA.
According to a report published by Safeguard Defenders group in Spain, these are organizations that wield undue influence over Chinese nationals living outside China, often persuading people the state claims are fugitives to return to China to face criminal charges.
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They use methods, according to Safeguard Defenders, “Which often include threats and harassment to family members back home or directly to the target abroad either through online or physical means.”
Safeguard Defenders published a report in the fall claiming China has 54 such operations overseas, including three in Toronto. It is believed there are two in Markham and one in Scarborough.
The concern is foreign actor interference — illegal activity which targets Canadian interests, or interferes in Canadian society and threatens Canada’s national security.
According to an RCMP release, foreign actor interference includes attempts to threaten, harass, influence, intimidate, corrupt or discredit individuals, organizations and governments to further the interests of a foreign country.
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The RCMP is aware of reports on these “police stations” and is investigating to determine any criminality.
A statement from the force says in part, “Our aim is to prevent intimidation, threats and harassment as well as any form of harm initiated on behalf of a foreign entity being applied to any community in Canada.”
To that end, the RCMP wants to speak to anyone who can provide information on “police service stations” or to anyone who feels threatened, harassed, or intimidated by anyone associated with these entities.
Contact the RCMP’s National Security Information Network at 1-800-420-5805 or by email: RCMP.NSIN-RISN.GRC@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
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