Hidayatullah.com– Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has accused China of trying to interfere with Canada's election, as authorities investigate reports of a Chinese “police station” in Canada.

Trudeau accused Beijing of playing “aggressive games” against democracy and targeting Canadian institutions.

The allegations come as local media reported that Canadian intelligence services had identified a “secret network” of Beijing-backed candidates in recent elections.

At least 11 candidates were supported by China in the 2019 federal election, officials told Trudeau.

Citing information from an anonymous intelligence official, local broadcaster Global News reported that Beijing had funneled funds to these candidates and that Chinese proxies had acted as campaign advisors to many candidates.

In one case, CA$250,000 (£160,000) was funneled through the office of an Ontario-based provincial lawmaker, reports BBC Tuesday (07/11/2022).

The operation, reportedly run from the Chinese consulate in Toronto, also aimed to place agents in the offices of active lawmakers in order to influence policy, reports World News.

China's efforts are aimed at “co-opting and corrupting” former Canadian officials so that China has influence in political circles.

Chinese interference would target Canada's two main political parties: Trudeau's Liberal Party and the opposition Conservative Party. However, it is not certain that the operation was successful.

“We have taken important steps to strengthen the integrity of our electoral processes and systems, and will continue to invest in the fight against electoral interference, against foreign interference in our democracy and our institutions,” Trudeau told the journalists Monday (07/11/2022).

“Unfortunately, we see that there are countries, state actors around the world, whether China or others, who continue to play aggressive games against our institutions, against our democracy,” he said. -he adds.

The report comes after authorities said the brand was investigating allegations that China opened an unofficial “police” post on Canadian soil.

Last month, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police said it was investigating reports of criminal activity linked to so-called “police” offices, which have also been reported in a number of European countries.

Several European Union countries, including Ireland and the Netherlands, have ordered China to close police stations, which they say are being used to pressure government opponents to return in China and face criminal charges.

Dutch media reported finding evidence of “service bureaus” promising diplomatic services, which were allegedly used to silence Chinese dissidents living in Europe.*