Allegations of disclosure and the sending of false information and identities to a third country: complaint under section 41 of the CSIS Act 

The complainant went to SIRC in relation to a traumatic event he and his family experienced. The complainant’s son, a minor at the time, had contact on social media with an individual whom the complainant identifies as a “cybercriminal.” According to the complainant, the cybercriminal attempted to manipulate his son and convince him that living in a Western community was a sin. The complainant agreed to meet with two CSIS officers and later had them over to his home to discuss with his son his interactions with that individual. In this interview, the complainant alleges that the CSIS officers encouraged the complainant and his family to report the situation by telephoning the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), which the complainant did that evening. The next day, his son was arrested at his home by the RCMP in front of a media circus set up close to the complainant’s home. His son was ultimately released shortly thereafter and was not charged with any offence. However, the complainant argues that the consequences of these incidents still affect his family.  

In part, the complainant blames CSIS and its officers for what happened to his family, if only for their inaction and their information sharing. The complainant objects to the treatment that he and his son received after doing their duty as citizens, which was to cooperate with the authorities and report a threat. He has accused CSIS and the RCMP of taking acting against the victim, his son, rather than the cybercriminal.  

The complainant summarizes his allegations against CSIS as follows:  

  • CSIS sent false information to the RCMP Integrated National Security Enforcement Team;  
  • Faced silence from two RCMP members regarding the arbitrariness of RCMP members;  
  • CSIS sent the complainant’s identity and that of his son to a third country;  
  • CSIS violated the findings and recommendations in Justice O’Connor’s commission regarding the transfer of information;  
  • CSIS violated their privacy, integrity and security.  

Conclusions  

SIRC concluded that all allegations forming the basis of this complaint were to be rejected because they are rebutted by the evidence filed. The investigation into this complaint examined all the relevant facets stemming from the allegations.  

SIRC concluded that CSIS acted in compliance with its mandate and priorities. No evidence was submitted demonstrating that CSIS strayed from the Act or its applicable targeting policies. SIRC finds that the thorough procedures regarding investigations involving minors were followed. SIRC concluded that CSIS had reasonable grounds to suspect the activities in question constituted a threat to the security of Canada and therefore took investigation steps under section 12 of the Canadian Service Intelligence Service Act. SIRC does not see the need to issue any recommendations to CSIS. 

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