RCMP Aware It’s Vulnerable to Leaks in Wake of Recent Information Breaches: Commissioner

RCMP Deputy Commissioner Mike Duheme looks on as Commissioner Brenda Lucki responds to a question as they appear as witnesses at the Public Order Emergency Commission in Ottawa on Nov. 15, 2022. Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press

RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme has reportedly admitted that the Mounties are “vulnerable” to information leaks.

“If you think that we can ensure that everything in the organization never leaks out, we’re vulnerable to that, we’re aware of it,” he said after a press conference in Montreal Feb. 21, according to the CBC.

This statement comes in light of recent incidents involving RCMP members charged or convicted of leaking information.

Mr. Duheme detailed the RCMP’s recruitment and monitoring measures, acknowledging that individuals’ decisions can change over time, potentially leading to harmful actions. The RCMP takes steps to address these issues as they arise, he said.

The recent arrest of Const. Eli Ndatuje in Alberta underscores these concerns. The RCMP has accused Mr. Ndatuje of accessing RCMP records to assist Rwanda.

Court records, according to the CBC, indicate Mr. Ndatuje allegedly transmitted protected information from the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) system to Rwanda. An RCMP release indicates he is facing three charges including a violation of the Security of Information Act.

Mr. Duheme noted the prompt investigation and action taken upon discovering Mr. Ndatuje’s activities, saying this reflects the RCMP’s commitment to handling such breaches.

This incident follows the sentencing of Cameron Ortis, a former high-ranking RCMP civilian member, to 14 years in prison for attempting to sell classified information.

After accounting for his time served, Mr. Ortis will serve an additional seven years and 155 days. The Crown has announced plans to appeal the sentence. Mr. Ortis, aged 51, faced conviction on all six charges against him in November, including violations of Canada’s secrets act, marking the first court test of charges under the Security of Information Act.

Additionally, retired RCMP officer William Majcher was charged with foreign interference for allegedly aiding China by targeting Vancouver real estate tycoon Kevin Sun. Mr. Majcher was arrested last year on charges stemming from his alleged efforts to assist Beijing’s Fox Hunt and Sky Net operations aimed at repatriating individuals accused of corruption.

RCMP and FBI investigations revealed Mr. Majcher used his expertise and contacts in Canada to benefit China. He is facing charges of preparatory acts for a foreign entity and conspiracy.

Acknowledging the RCMP’s size and the potential for future incidents, Mr. Duheme stressed the importance of vigilance and education within the force to prevent leaks. Following Mr. Ortis’ conviction, the RCMP has implemented enhanced security measures and training to identify and mitigate insider threats, urging employees to report suspicious activities.