OTTAWA, Ontario (AP) — A former member of Canada’s national police force has been charged with conspiracy over allegations that he helped China’s government intimidate a person, police said Friday.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police said in a news release that retired Mountie William Majcher is accused of helping the Chinese government identify the person targeted in the intimidation. They said that Majcher, 60, used his network of Canadian contacts to get intelligence or services that benefited China.
The police agency described Majcher as being “from Hong Kong,” but did not immediately clarify whether that meant he currently resided in the Chinese territory.
Olympic champion Canada has been held to a 0-0 draw by Nigeria in its Women’s World Cup opener after Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie made several key saves, including one on a penalty from Christine Sinclair.
Captain Sam Kerr has missed Australia’s opening Women’s World Cup game against Ireland because of a calf injury that wasn’t revealed publicly until about an hour before kickoff.
Christine Sinclair hopes her sixth appearance at the Women’s World Cup will finally land Canada the elusive title. Canada begins tournament play Friday against Nigeria.
Police have not said who was the target of Beijing’s alleged intimidation campaign.
Majcher is charged with conspiracy and preparatory acts for the benefit of a foreign entity, police said.
The Chinese embassy in Ottawa didn’t immediately return a message seeking comment.
Earlier this year the Canadian government expelled a Chinese diplomat whom Canada’s spy agency alleged was involved in a plot to intimidate an opposition lawmaker and his relatives in Hong Kong.
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