RCMP statement on violent criminal activity in Canada linked to Indian government agents

October 15, 2024 | By Sikh Siyasat Bureau

Ottawa, Canada: On October 14, 2024, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) issued a statement citing ongoing investigations into serious criminal activity involving agents of the Government of India. The RCMP publicly announced its findings as threats to public safety in Canada, particularly within the South Asian and pro-Khalistan movements, remain serious. The statement highlights the involvement of Indian agents in violent crimes, including murder and extortion, and stresses the need for public cooperation in reporting incidents of foreign interference. Below is the full text of the RCMP statement:-

RCMP statement on violent criminal activity in Canada linked to Indian government agents
October 14, 2024

An extraordinary situation compels us to speak about what we have discovered in our numerous ongoing investigations into the involvement of Indian government agents in serious criminal activity in Canada. It is not our normal process to publicly release information about ongoing investigations to protect their integrity. However, we believe it is necessary at this time given the significant threat to public safety in our country.

In recent years and more recently, law enforcement agencies in Canada, including the RCMP, have successfully investigated and charged a significant number of individuals for their direct involvement in murders, extortions and other criminal violence.

In addition, there were well over a dozen credible and imminent threats to life that resulted in law enforcement exercising their duty to warn members of the South Asian community and particularly members of the pro-Khalistan movement. As a result, in February 2024, the RCMP established a multi-disciplinary team to investigate and coordinate efforts to combat this threat. The team has obtained a significant amount of information about the scale and depth of criminal activities orchestrated by agents of the Government of India and the resulting threats to the security of Canadians and people living in Canada.

Despite the actions of law enforcement, the damage continued and poses a serious threat to our public safety. We had reached a point where we felt it necessary to confront the Government of India and inform the public of some very serious findings, that have been brought to light through our investigations.

There is a threat of violent extremism in Canada that Canada and India have been working on for years. However, these threats impact Canada and India’s ability to work together.

Earlier this week, Federal Deputy Commissioner Mark Flynn made attempts to meet with his Indian law enforcement counterparts to discuss violent extremism in Canada and India and evidence of the involvement of Indian government agents in serious criminal activities to be submitted in Canada. These attempts were unsuccessful, so Deputy Commissioner Flynn met with Indian government officials over the weekend, as well as National Security and Intelligence Adviser (NSIA) Nathalie Drouin and Deputy Secretary of State David Morrison.

Through our national task force and other investigative efforts, the RCMP has obtained evidence that highlights four very serious issues:

• • Violent extremism affects both countries;
  • Links Government of India (GOI) bonding agents to homicides and violence;
  • The use of organized crime to create the impression of an unsafe environment that targets the South Asian community in Canada; And
  • Intervention in democratic processes.

Investigations have found that Indian diplomats and consular officials based in Canada used their official positions to engage in clandestine activities such as gathering intelligence for the Indian government, either directly or through their proxies; and other persons who acted voluntarily or under duress.

There is also evidence that Indian government agents used a variety of intelligence-gathering facilities in Canada and abroad. Some of these individuals and companies have been forced and threatened to work for the Indian government. The information collected for the Indian government is then used to target members of the South Asian community.

This evidence was presented directly to Indian government officials urging them to cooperate in curbing the violence and calling on our law enforcement agencies to cooperate in resolving these issues.

The RCMP hopes to address these threats through our relationships with the Government of India and the National Investigation Agency, with the ultimate goal of strengthening the security of the Canadian public and the South Asian community.

The safety of our citizens, regardless of their background or faith, remains the RCMP’s top priority and we will not tolerate any intimidation, harassment or harmful attacks on communities or individuals in Canada.

We request the public’s assistance in reporting incidents of foreign interference by the Indian government. Anyone who feels threatened online or in person should report the incident to local police. If someone is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1. Individuals can also report to the RCMP National Security Information Network by phone at 1-800-420-5805 or online at rcmp.ca/report-it.

We recognize the concern and fear people may feel when they see this news, and we recognize that South Asians are victims of the activities we are investigating. We want to reassure all Canadians that their safety is paramount in everything we do, and we call on the public and South Asian communities to remain calm and give law enforcement and Canadian officials time to continue discussions.

While the RCMP generally does not comment on investigative matters to maintain operational integrity, we will keep the public informed as matters develop.

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Related topics: Bhai Hardeep Singh Nijjar, Canada-India Diplomatic Tensions, Government of India, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, National Investigation Agency of India, RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme, Shaheed Bhai Hardeep Singh Nijjar, Sikh Diaspora, Sikh News Canada, Sikhs in Canada, The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)

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