MONTREAL — Members of Montreal’s Chinese community are calling for answers after the RCMP announced it has closed its investigation into two local community centres once suspected of acting as clandestine overseas police stations for the Chinese Communist Party.
The RCMP confirmed that its probe into the two Montreal-area non-profit organizations has ended without charges being recommended at this time. The investigation, launched in early 2023, drew national attention after authorities suggested that secret Chinese government police stations were allegedly operating out of the centres.
Xixi Li, executive director of both community organizations, said she welcomed the conclusion of the inquiry but expressed frustration over the lack of transparency. “We are relieved that this has come to an end, but we still want to know why the investigation happened in the first place and why we only learned about it through the media,” Li said.
Community leaders say the allegations have left lasting scars, noting financial hardship, reputational damage, and emotional distress endured by members of the local Chinese community since the probe was made public. “These allegations caused enormous harm to our organizations and our people,” Li added, urging authorities to clarify how and why the suspicions arose.
The RCMP has not elaborated further on the reasons behind the investigation’s closure, nor has it provided additional details about its findings. While the announcement brings formal closure, community representatives stress that the damage has already been done and are pressing for answers to rebuild trust and restore confidence.