The Royal Canadian Mounted Police is investigating allegations of two so-called “police stations” in Quebec that are suspected of being operated by Chinese government officials.
RCMP confirmed by email Thursday morning an investigation by the province’s Integrated National Security Team into the two suspected outposts: one in Montreal and another in Brossard, a suburb on the city’s south shore.
Police added that it is possible that Chinese Canadians “have been victims of possible activities carried out by these centers” and that any form of “intimidation, harassment and prejudice towards communities or individuals of the diaspora in Canada will not be tolerated”.
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“We are conducting law enforcement actions aimed at detecting and disrupting these criminal activities supported by foreign states, which may threaten the safety of people living in Canada,” the RCMP said in a statement.
The RCMP has also created a telephone line to report any threats in Quebec.
RCMP said they could not comment further on the alleged police stations, citing the ongoing investigation. The investigation was first reported Thursday by the Journal de Montreal.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau briefly addressed the allegations during a melee early Thursday, saying “we are making sure the RCMP is following up on this matter and that our intelligence systems are taking this seriously.”
“This is a matter of great concern to us,” he added.
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In December 2022, a Spanish civil rights group revealed in a report that there were Chinese police operations around the world, including three in Toronto and at least one in Vancouver.
Safeguard Defenders said there are more than 100 such stations in more than 50 countries. He alleges the stations serve to “persuade” people who Chinese authorities believe are fugitives living overseas to return to China to face charges.
— with files from Amy Judd, Christa Dao and Global News Canadian Press
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