Senior federal intelligence officer in Canada arrested for stealing covert information

In what is being described as possible one of the largest breaches of security in Canadian history, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police have concluded their investigation into the recent Canadian security breach.

Cameron Ortis, the former leader of the police force’s own security unit, was officially charged on Friday for leaking covert information. Brenda Lucki, the RCMP commissioner, has confirmed that Ortis had access to both domestic and international information.

While Lucki did not confirm specifically which countries had been affected, it is well known that the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom are part of an intelligence alliance known as the Five Eyes.

Some security analysts believe that the security breach could have profound ramifications on Canada’s foreign relations with its allies (especially those in the Five Eyes). Ortis is facing five total charges in accordance with Canada’s Security of Information Act, as well as two further charges under the Criminal Code.

All the incidents in question are alleged to have occurred between 2015 and 2019. It has been reported that Ortis possibly shared covert information with a foreign entity or a terrorist group. If convicted, Ortis faces up to 14 years in federal prison.

While Ortis appeared in court on Friday, his case has been adjourned until September 20, allowing him time to find suitable legal counsel.