A retired police officer in Canada has been arrested and is facing charges under the country’s national security laws. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) announced on Friday that William Majcher, 60, allegedly used his knowledge and network of contacts to obtain intelligence or provide services to benefit the People’s Republic of China.
According to the RCMP, Majcher contributed to the Chinese government’s efforts to identify and intimidate an individual outside the scope of Canadian law. Majcher is the head of EMIDR, a Hong Kong-based cybersecurity company.
The retired officer appeared in a Quebec court via video conference on Friday and is facing two charges under the Security of Information Act: “preparatory acts for the benefit of a foreign entity” and conspiracy. Majcher had retired from the RCMP in 2007.
The investigation into Majcher’s alleged suspicious activities was launched by the RCMP’s Integrated National Security Enforcement Team (Inset) in 2021. This development comes amidst growing concerns about Chinese meddling in Canadian affairs and its alleged sophisticated election interference network across the country.
Opposition leaders have been pressuring Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to conduct a public inquiry into China’s attempts to manipulate the outcome of two federal elections in its favor. Currently, federal parties are engaged in negotiations regarding the possibility of calling for a public inquiry.
The appointed official who initially dismissed the need for a public inquiry faced allegations of bias and promptly resigned from the position. The controversy surrounding China’s interference in Canadian affairs has caused political turmoil in recent months.
This arrest and the charges faced by Majcher highlight the serious nature of national security breaches and the potential threats posed by individuals with extensive networks and knowledge. It also underscores the ongoing concern about foreign interference in democratic processes.
In addition to the existing information, it would be relevant to discuss the potential ramifications of these security law violations and the implications for Canada’s relationship with China. It is imperative for countries to remain vigilant and take appropriate measures to safeguard national security in an increasingly interconnected world.