Canada’s spy agency caught running unauthorized operation without approval

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Canada’s national intelligence agency, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), ran a secret operation for more than a year without obtaining required government approval, according to a new report from the National Security and Intelligence Review Agency (NSIRA).

The operation, which began in January 2022 and ended in early 2023, involved intrusive and high-risk activities. Under Canadian law, such actions require authorization through a ministerial directive. NSIRA found that CSIS failed to secure the proper legal basis before proceeding.

Though details of the operation remain classified, the watchdog report noted that it carried a risk of harming individuals or groups targeted by CSIS. The review also emphasized that some of the methods used could only be justified under a ministerial order, one CSIS never received.

Senior CSIS officials knew early on that the operation likely required ministerial authorization. Despite this, the activity continued. The agency also failed to pause the operation while seeking legal clarity. It was only halted after NSIRA raised concerns during a review.

NSIRA called this a "serious failure in governance" and said CSIS showed a pattern of disregarding past advice about obtaining ministerial approvals. The agency highlighted the need for stronger internal accountability within CSIS to ensure operations stay within legal limits.

The watchdog also reported that the sudden halt of the operation came with consequences. A CSIS manager indicated that shutting it down without preparation placed the team involved in a potentially dangerous situation.

Most of the NSIRA report remains redacted, making it difficult to determine the nature or scope of the operation. However, the watchdog emphasized that the situation raises serious concerns about how high-risk intelligence activities are reviewed and approved in Canada.

In its response, CSIS said it accepts NSIRA’s findings and has taken steps to review the legal framework around such activities. The agency confirmed that the operation has ended and is evaluating its processes to prevent similar incidents. National security experts have called the case troubling.

 

Source: Canada’s spy agency caught running unauthorized operation without approval

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