Title: Former Head of Canadian Police Intelligence Unit Found Guilty of Leaking State Secrets
Cameron Ortis, the former head of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) intelligence unit, has been found guilty of leaking state secrets under Canada’s Security of Information Act. This historic conviction marks the first time a Canadian has been found guilty under this act.
Ortis faced multiple charges, including three counts of violating the Security of Information Act and one count of attempted violation. In addition, he was found guilty of breach of trust and fraudulent use of a computer. Although Ortis had initially pleaded not guilty to all charges, his arrest in 2019 followed an extensive investigation by the RCMP.
During the trial, Ortis admitted to leaking classified information to three individuals in 2015 and attempting to do so again in another instance. He justified his actions by claiming that he aimed to protect the country from a severe threat. Ortis claimed he offered secret material to targets as a way to entice them into using an online encryption service called Tutanota, which he alleged was established to monitor communications of interest. However, Tutanota, now known as Tuta, denies any affiliation with intelligence agencies.
The investigation into Ortis began when the RCMP analyzed a laptop owned by Vincent Ramos, the CEO of Phantom Secure Communications, who was apprehended in the United States. Ramos and his encrypted cell phones were found to be linked to organized crime.
Due to the classified nature of some elements of Ortis’ charges, he was restricted from speaking about certain aspects, creating a unique situation in the trial, according to his lawyer.
Following the guilty verdict, Ortis’ bail has been revoked, and prosecutors are seeking a 20-year prison sentence. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for early January.
The conviction of Cameron Ortis sends a strong message about the seriousness with which Canada treats the protection of state secrets and the consequences that individuals will face if they compromise national security. This case serves as a stark reminder to the public, government agencies, and law enforcement personnel about the critical importance of maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of classified information.
“Social media scholar. Reader. Zombieaholic. Hardcore music maven. Web fanatic. Coffee practitioner. Explorer.”