RCMP have revealed findings from multiple ongoing investigations into criminal activities in Canada connected to agents of the Indian government.
This highly unusual disclosure was made due to “significant threats to public safety,” according to RCMP officials.
In a statement, RCMP highlighted that their investigations have uncovered a series of violent criminal acts, including homicides and extortion, believed to be orchestrated by individuals with ties to the Indian government.
These actions specifically target members of the South Asian community in Canada, particularly those involved in the pro-Khalistan movement, a group advocating for an independent Sikh state in India.
RCMP says over the past few years, law enforcement agencies, including the RCMP, have successfully charged several individuals for their involvement in violent acts, and more than a dozen credible threats to life have been identified.
These threats prompted Canadian authorities to issue warnings to at-risk individuals within the South Asian community. In response, the RCMP formed a specialized multidisciplinary team in February 2024 to further investigate the issue.
The RCMP provide a statement on violent criminal activity occurring in Canada with connections to agents of the Government of India: https://t.co/nEXPSPJKPu pic.twitter.com/0FB5e1oT9L
— RCMP (@rcmpgrcpolice) October 14, 2024
RCMP investigations have uncovered four key issues: violent extremism affecting Canada and India, links between Indian government agents and homicides, organized crime targeting Canada’s South Asian community, and interference in democratic processes.
These findings, along with evidence of Indian diplomats and consular officials allegedly using their positions to gather information for the Indian government, were presented to Indian officials in an effort to foster cooperation and address the threat.
RCMP also disclosed that some Canadian individuals and businesses had been coerced into aiding these activities, which aim to target members of the South Asian community in Canada.
According to reports, Canada has expelled six Indian diplomats, including the high commissioner, in response to recent developments.
While attempts to collaborate with Indian law enforcement have been unsuccessful so far, discussions between Canadian officials, including the RCMP’s Deputy Commissioner of Federal Policing Mark Flynn, and Indian government representatives are ongoing.
RCMP said the goal is to combat the ongoing violence and restore safety for all Canadians.
The revelations come at a time when tensions between Canada and India have escalated, particularly following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s recent statements about possible Indian involvement in the killing of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia.
These allegations have resulted in strained diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Rustad, Leader of the Conservative Party of British Columbia, has called for an immediate and thorough investigation into foreign interference following the recent RCMP announcement revealing that agents from India have been implicated in criminal activity targeting British Columbia’s Sikh community and other Canadians.
Rustad emphasized that no one in Canada should live in fear of foreign influence, and he urged the federal government to take swift action to protect all citizens, particularly the Sikh community.
“The recent revelations about Indian agents operating in Canada are deeply troubling,” said Rustad. “No Canadian, including members of BC’s Sikh community, should ever fear for their safety or freedom of expression because of foreign interference on Canadian soil.”
India has long denied Trudeau’s accusation. On Monday it dismissed Canada’s move on the inquiry and accused Trudeau of pursuing a “political agenda.”
“We have no faith in the current Canadian Government’s commitment to ensure their security. Therefore, the Government of India has decided to withdraw the High Commissioner and other targeted diplomats and officials,” India’s foreign ministry said in a statement.
BC NDP Leader David Eby also responded to the RCMP’s allegations, calling them “shocking.”
He expressed deep concern over claims of the Indian government’s involvement in homicides, extortion, and criminal violence in Canada.
Eby emphasized that such actions have no place in BC or Canada and stressed his commitment to protecting British Columbians. He also confirmed discussions with Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland and Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc, seeking federal support to address these threats and ensure public safety.
“We have all heard concerns from people about extortion and threats, and police in BC have been part of a national task force attempting to put a stop to them. I am deeply disturbed by the new information we are learning. This is not just foreign interference; these are allegations of direct involvement by the Indian government in homicides, extortions, and other criminal acts of violence in Canada — and it has no place in our province or our country. I am focused on protecting British Columbians and keeping people safe,” said Eby.
“We will continue to make sure the RCMP has everything they need to respond to this violent criminal and gang activity in our communities.”
RCMP urges the public, especially those who feel threatened, to report incidents of foreign interference. For immediate threats, individuals should contact local authorities or dial 9-1-1.
Other reports of foreign interference can be submitted to the RCMP National Security Information Network. RCMP said they will continue to update the public as developments arise in their ongoing investigations.
