Canadian naval officer accused of spying for Russia

Canadian naval officer accused of spying for Russia

2012-01-18 11:24:22 GMT+7 (ICT)

TORONTO, CANADA (BNO NEWS) -- A Canadian naval and intelligence officer is accused of sharing classified information with a foreign entity, prosecutors announced on Tuesday. He is believed to have provided the information to Russia.

Sub-Lt. Jeffrey Paul Delisle, 40, joined the Canadian Forces Reserves in 1996 and entered regular forces in 2001. He currently worked at HMCS Trinity, where he would have had access to sensitive information about Canada's weapons systems and those of partners such as the United States and other NATO member states.

According to court documents, Delisle is believed to have shared classified information with a foreign entity since July 2007 until his arrest. He is believed to have shared the information from various cities in Canada, depending on his place of work at the time.

In violation of the Criminal Code of Canada, Delisle "did commit a breach of trust in connection with the duties of his office," a court document stated, adding that he "did, without lawful authority, communicate to a foreign entity information that the Government of Canada is taking measures to safeguard."

Delisle, a Royal Canadian Navy sub-lieutenant and intelligence officer, was arrested over the weekend after he was caught sharing classified information last week. CBC News cited sources as saying that the foreign entity is believed to be Russia.

Other details were not immediately released by the court. Observers said it is likely that the trial will take place behind doors with few, if any, details released to the public. Delisle could face up to life in prison if found guilty.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2012-01-18