The True Post(Web News) The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) has in recent weeks provided intelligence to federal departments and several universities.
has warned of a suspect who is suspected of attempting to obtain sensitive and privileged Canadian information for the intelligence services of the People’s Republic of China (PRC).
CSIS has issued an “intelligence advisory” regarding this individual, advising relevant agencies to exercise extreme caution, and to completely avoid discussing any classified or sensitive information with this individual. The security agency has also recommended that any agency that has a suspicious meeting or contact with this individual immediately report it to the relevant security authorities.
CSIS spokesperson Eric Balsam confirmed that this action was taken to protect sensitive Canadian information and prevent potential threats to national security. According to the spokesperson, whenever the security agency receives evidence that could jeopardize the country’s security, it takes immediate steps to inform relevant stakeholders.
The individual mentioned in the advisory was not identified, nor were the names of the entities that were potentially targeted. However, the People’s Republic of China is considered the greatest counterintelligence threat to Canada, and has been repeatedly accused of attempting to steal research, technology, and trade secrets from Western countries.
Individuals affiliated with China have been accused of espionage and information theft in the past, including the arrest of Yusheng Wang, a scientist researching an electric vehicle battery, in 2022, and the dismissal of two scientists from a Winnipeg infectious disease laboratory in 2021.
The most recent annual report by CSIS said that China has repeatedly demonstrated that it is willing to use covert, deceptive means to obtain Canadian expertise and research in sensitive areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, biotechnology, and aerospace.
In addition, CSIS has significantly increased the number of briefings given to Canadian space technology in response to growing threats to the sector, so that research and development institutions can better protect themselves against adversary state actors such as Russia and China. Recent actions by the federal government have included ordering Chinese surveillance camera company Hikvision to cease operations in Canada, citing national security concerns.
The Hoag Commission report identified China as the most active foreign country interfering in Canada’s democratic institutions, with activities spanning social media, election influence, and disinformation campaigns. The Canadian government and its security agencies are taking coordinated steps to address these threats to protect Canada’s security, sovereignty, and research sector.
