Canada is sounding the alarm on Russia and China's increasing spy efforts in the Arctic region. The country's domestic spy agency, CSIS, has revealed that these two nations have a "significant intelligence interest" in Canada's Arctic, with both governments and private sectors being targeted.
In his annual speech, Dan Rogers, director of CSIS, warned of mounting concerns over hostile nations growing more emboldened in the region. While it may not come as a surprise, Rogers highlighted the efforts by CSIS to detect and disrupt cyber and non-cyber intelligence collection attempts targeting both governments and private sectors.
Canada's decision to invest heavily in its Arctic infrastructure has become a concern for foreign powers. New heavy ice breakers and patrol submarines are part of Canada's effort to strengthen its presence in the region, while also boosting its mining industry with critical minerals at play.
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand has echoed this sentiment, suggesting that NATO should focus on the Arctic as well. The Nato alliance is being urged to prioritize the north, adding a new layer to the existing Eastern flank strategy.
CSIS agents have foiled several attempts by Russia to acquire Canadian goods and technologies for use in its war against Ukraine. Additionally, Chinese spies have tried to recruit Canadians with information and military expertise. Iran's intelligence services are also on Canada's radar, with CSIS warning of potentially lethal threats directed against dissidents.
Canada has strained relations with both Iran and Russia, having cut off diplomatic ties with Tehran in 2012. Last year, the country added Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to its list of terrorist organizations, prompting strong condemnation from Tehran.
In his annual speech, Dan Rogers, director of CSIS, warned of mounting concerns over hostile nations growing more emboldened in the region. While it may not come as a surprise, Rogers highlighted the efforts by CSIS to detect and disrupt cyber and non-cyber intelligence collection attempts targeting both governments and private sectors.
Canada's decision to invest heavily in its Arctic infrastructure has become a concern for foreign powers. New heavy ice breakers and patrol submarines are part of Canada's effort to strengthen its presence in the region, while also boosting its mining industry with critical minerals at play.
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand has echoed this sentiment, suggesting that NATO should focus on the Arctic as well. The Nato alliance is being urged to prioritize the north, adding a new layer to the existing Eastern flank strategy.
CSIS agents have foiled several attempts by Russia to acquire Canadian goods and technologies for use in its war against Ukraine. Additionally, Chinese spies have tried to recruit Canadians with information and military expertise. Iran's intelligence services are also on Canada's radar, with CSIS warning of potentially lethal threats directed against dissidents.
Canada has strained relations with both Iran and Russia, having cut off diplomatic ties with Tehran in 2012. Last year, the country added Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to its list of terrorist organizations, prompting strong condemnation from Tehran.