The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is investigating alleged Chinese police stations established in Montreal and Brossard.
RCMP Sergeant Charles Poirier confirmed by email Thursday morning that Quebec’s Integrated National Security Team has opened investigations into the centers in the province.
The RCMP indicated that Chinese Canadians were victims of possible activities of these centres. The police force has assured that it will not tolerate any form of intimidation, harassment or harmful targeting.
Sergeant Poirier added that the RCMP was carrying out police actions “aimed at detecting and disrupting these criminal activities supported by a foreign state and which may threaten the safety of people living in Canada”.
The RCMP could not provide further details at this time due to ongoing investigations.
“The RCMP takes threats to the safety of people living in Canada very seriously and is aware that foreign states may seek to intimidate or harm communities or individuals in Canada,” the police force said. in a written statement sent by Sergeant Poirier.
The RCMP has also invited anyone who feels they are the victim of bullying or harassment to report it to a dedicated telephone line: 514-939-8301.
The news, which was first relayed by The Journal of Montreal, means that Quebec would also be targeted by these alleged clandestine police stations. According to the Spanish organization Safeguard Defenders, three of these centers would be established in the Greater Toronto Area. In all, there would be more than 50 such sites in the world.
According to the human rights group, these stations are used to persuade people China claims are fugitives living overseas to return to China to face charges.
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