The RCMP declined to investigate a suspected money laundering network connected to the People’s Republic of China (PRC) because the force determined that shutting down the scheme would have “no significant impact.”
According to documents released by the federal foreign interference commission Thursday, the RCMP was made aware of a “money laundering network that was connected to organized crime and PRC (foreign actor interference) activity.”
Deputy Commissioner Mark Flynn, who is in charge of federal policing, testified that he made the decision not to pursue an investigation because it wouldn’t make much of a difference.
“When asked if a financial crime unit could investigate the network, Deputy Commissioner Flynn queried what impact a successful financial crime investigation would have on the larger problem,” a summary of his testimony read.
“Because multiple backup networks could be used for money laundering activities, it was felt that a successful financial crime investigation would have no significant impact. Deputy Commissioner Flynn ultimately refused the request because the proposed investigation was not sufficiently impactful to justify a higher prioritization.”
It’s only one vignette of the larger issue of foreign interference in Canada, the subject of Justice Marie-Josée Hogue’s federal inquiry. But it highlights two significant issues into how Canada counters the foreign influence threat: the connection between hostile powers and organized crime in Canada, and the lack of resources of federal authorities to devote to countering complex interference operations.
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The RCMP has a $6-billion annual budget. But that money is split between federal policing – things like white-collar crime, national security, and protecting politicians and visiting dignitaries – and everyday front-line policing in multiple provinces and territories.
The tension has long been an identified issue within the national police force, which splits itself between specialized, in-depth investigations and more mundane responsibilities like speeding tickets and law enforcement.
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