The Canadian government said it raised concerns directly with Russian authorities after media reports this week revealed allegations of Russian sabotage. The alleged plot included a plan to send packages filled with incendiary devices onto planes bound for Canada and the United States.
“The Government of Canada is aware of and deeply concerned about Russia’s escalating activity, from cyber incidents and disinformation operations to sabotage,” Public Safety Canada spokesperson Zarah Malik told CTV. said in an emailed statement to The News.
Malik added that Canada has expressed this concern directly to Russian authorities, saying any threat to the safety of Canadians is “unacceptable.”
“While there is no immediate threat to Canadians at this time, Canada’s national security and law enforcement agencies are working closely with our allies on this critical issue to keep Canadians safe,” she wrote. .
Multiple US media outlets including wall street journal (WSJ), new york times and washington postpublished a report on the alleged Russian conspiracy, citing unnamed Western security officials.
The report follows a statement released by Poland’s National Prosecutor’s Office last month announcing an investigation into sabotage related to an anonymous foreign intelligence agency and the arrest of four people.
Western security officials said on Monday that two incendiary devices, one in Germany and one in the United Kingdom, ignited at a DHL logistics hub in July, causing fires on cargo and passenger planes in flight, the Journal reported on Monday. The report said it believed it was part of a secret Russian operation with the ultimate goal of causing an attack. to America and Canada.
Media reports have suggested the alleged plot is linked to Russia’s military intelligence agency, the GRU, but anonymous officials interviewed by the Washington Post and Wall Street Journal said , warned that it was unclear whether the operation was directed or authorized by the Kremlin.
A senior Canadian government official told CTV News that it is currently unclear whether the Russian plot was directly linked to the Kremlin or Russian intelligence services, or whether it was hatched by rogue Russian operatives.
Canada is waiting for the U.S. analysis, a senior government official said.
According to Polish statement, The group allegedly involved in the sabotage plot was testing the route to the United States and Canada, where the incendiary devices would eventually be sent.
Public Safety Canada said the Government of Canada will continue to monitor the situation and take necessary steps to protect Canadians.
“Transport Canada takes threats to aviation safety very seriously and is working closely with key national and international stakeholders, including law enforcement, airlines, airport authorities and the Government of Canada’s security partners. We respond to security incidents and ensure the safety of Canadians,” Malik said.
“Transport Canada remains vigilant and works with partners to respond to threats to Canadian aviation security, and will take immediate action when safety or security issues are identified. .”
Last month, Ken McCallum, the head of Britain’s domestic intelligence agency, known as MI5, said in a speech that Russian military intelligence was “carrying out an ongoing mission to cause mayhem on the streets of Britain and Europe. or acts of sabotage.”
McCallum said the Russian government is hiring agents to do the work.
With files from CTV News’ Vassie Kapelos and Reuters
