Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) announced that they have charged a retired police officer with foreign interference, alleging that he aided China in actions “outside the scope of Canadian law” to identify and intimidate an individual.
Canada has previously accused China of attempting to interfere in its internal affairs through various means, including the establishment of illegal police stations and targeting lawmakers. In response, Beijing has vehemently denied all such allegations.
According to the RCMP’s statement, the retired officer, William Majcher, aged 60, allegedly utilized his knowledge and extensive network of contacts in Canada to gather intelligence or provide services beneficial to the People’s Republic of China. However, specific details were not disclosed.
William Majcher, originally from Hong Kong, has been charged with conspiracy and acts benefiting a foreign entity. These charges stem from an investigation initiated in late 2021.
The Chinese embassy in Ottawa has not immediately responded to requests for comment on the matter. Relations between Canada and China have been strained for several years.
In May, the Canadian government expelled a Chinese diplomat over allegations of attempting to target opposition lawmaker Michael Chong’s family in Hong Kong in 2021. Additionally, last month, the police revealed they were investigating multiple allegations of China attempting to intimidate federal legislators, as part of over 100 inquiries into foreign meddling in Canada.
