Image: File photo, Government of B.C. via Flickr / B.C. NDP leader David Eby said RCMP allegations that Indian diplomats are linked to violent criminal activity on Canadian soil are 'shocking.'

By Don Mitchell

RCMP Investigation

Eby, Rustad share alarm over RCMP allegations of criminal activity connected to officials from India

Oct 14, 2024 | 4:46 PM

SURREY – B.C. NDP leader David Eby characterized the RCMP’s allegations that officials from India may be linked to violent criminal activity on Canadian soil as “shocking.”

Before making an appearance at a residence in Surrey on Thanksgiving Monday, Eby issued a statement saying accusations tying the Indian government to homicides, extortion, and other acts of violence in Canada “have no place” in B.C. or the country.

“We have all heard concerns from people about extortion and threats, and police in B.C. have been part of a national task force attempting to put a stop to them,” he said.

“I am deeply disturbed by the new information we are learning.”

The Vancouver-Point Grey candidate also urged anyone who believes they have been the target of threats or extortion to contact local authorities.

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Eby mentioned that he had conversations with Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland and Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc earlier in the day, seeking assurances that federal agencies will keep working with local law enforcement to address these threats.

“We will continue to make sure the RCMP has everything it needs to respond to this violent criminal and gang activity in our communities,” Eby said.

In a statement and press conference on Monday, the RCMP announced that it has multiple “ongoing investigations” into alleged “agents” of the Government of India engaging in “serious criminal activity” across Canada.

The federal agency stated that there have been over a dozen “credible and imminent threats to life” connected to members of the South Asian community, particularly those in the pro-Khalistan movement.

“As a result, in February 2024, the RCMP established a multidisciplinary team to investigate and coordinate efforts to combat this threat,” investigators said in a statement.

“The team has gathered a significant amount of information about the scope and depth of criminal activity orchestrated by agents of the Government of India, as well as consequential threats to the safety and security of Canadians and individuals living in Canada.”

B.C. Conservative Leader John Rustad called for a full investigation into foreign interference following the RCMP announcement, saying that Canadians’ right “to freely express their political beliefs” is under threat.

Before unveiling a plan to build a new Children’s Hospital in Surrey, Rustad released a statement insisting that foreign agents operating in Canada “must be dealt with by the full force of the law.”

“The Sikh community in British Columbia, like every other group, deserves to live in safety without fear of intimidation or harassment by foreign governments,” said Rustad.

“This is a violation of Canada’s sovereignty and a threat to the rights and freedoms of every citizen.”