RCMP Charge Former Staffer Under Security of Information Act

By: Laura Steiner

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have charged a former staff with offenses under the Criminal Code, and Security of Information Act.

Cameron Ortis served as a former Director General of Intelligence in the RCMP.  According to a statement from the force, Ortis was charged with the following:

• Section 14(1) of the Security of Information Act
• Section 22(1)(b) of the Security of Information Act
• Section 22(1)(e) of the Security of Information Act
• Section 122 of the Criminal Code
• Section 342.1(1) of the Criminal Code

The Security of Information Act governs national security concerns, and potential threats of espionage by foreign powers.  Section 122 of the Criminal Code describes “Breach of trust by public officer.”  Section 342.1 describes the “unauthorized use of a computer.”  Ortis is described in media reports has having expertise in East Asian Affairs, critical infrastructure include the use of online “bots”.

The charges are said to stem from activities alleged to have occurred during his tenure as an RCMP employee.   The statement ends:”As this investigation is ongoing, we will not be making any other comment at this time.”

Ortis appeared via video uplink in an Ottawa courtroom.  The case was put over until September 20, and he remains in custody.