Canada Police Revises Stand, Acknowledges Foreign Role in Intimidation Cases

In a significant shift in its stance, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has acknowledged the involvement of foreign entities in activities aimed at intimidating and threatening individuals in Canada. Earlier, the agency had stated that there was no concrete evidence of foreign interference in such incidents. The clarification was issued by the RCMP on April 1, marking a departure from its earlier position. The statement comes just days after RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme had said that investigators had not found any direct link between threats faced by individuals in Canada and any foreign government. However, the latest update reflects a change in the agency’s assessment based on new information. In its statement, the RCMP said it is aware of complaints from certain communities regarding incidents of intimidation and threats. It further noted that both the RCMP and the Canadian government recognize that foreign countries are involved in such activities within Canada. At the same time, the agency clarified that establishing a direct link between these actions and a specific foreign entity, in a manner admissible in court, remains a complex process. This clarification follows Commissioner Duheme’s interview with CTV News on March 19, where he had indicated that no direct connection to foreign entities had been identified in such cases. He had emphasized that although such incidents were occurring, investigators had not been able to conclusively attribute them to any foreign organization. At the time, Canada’s position was viewed positively in India, with expectations that both countries were working towards improving strained diplomatic relations. Previously, Canada had accused Indian agencies of using the network of Lawrence Bishnoi to carry out killings within its territory. Tensions between the two countries escalated after the 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia. Canadian authorities, including the RCMP, had alleged the involvement of Indian agents in violence and extortion targeting Sikh separatists in Canada. A key aspect of Canada’s allegations focused on the India-based Lawrence Bishnoi gang, which Canada claimed was acting in the interest of Indian agencies. The group was designated as a terrorist organization in September 2025. The Government of India has strongly rejected these allegations, calling them baseless and politically motivated. India has repeatedly urged Canada to take action against extremist elements operating on its soil and to process extradition requests linked to the Bishnoi network. In the same interview, Commissioner Duheme had also clarified that some individuals issuing extortion threats were not directly linked to the Bishnoi gang but were using its name to create fear. Despite past tensions, both countries have continued efforts to restore diplomatic ties. In September 2025, high commissioners were reinstated, followed by high-level engagements between national security advisors and foreign ministers.