MONTREAL — The trial of a former Hydro-Québec employee accused of committing economic espionage on behalf of China is set to begin today, marking a historic national security case in Canada.
Yuesheng Wang, who was arrested and charged in November 2022, is the first person to face charges of economic espionage under Canada’s Security of Information Act. His case has drawn national attention amid growing concerns about foreign interference and the protection of critical infrastructure.
The RCMP’s National Security Enforcement Team launched its investigation in August 2022 after receiving a complaint from Hydro-Québec’s corporate security branch regarding suspicious activities involving Wang.
In addition to the economic espionage charge, Wang faces three Criminal Code charges:
- Fraudulent use of a computer
- Fraudulently obtaining a trade secret
- Breach of trust
In April 2024, prosecutors added further charges, including committing preparatory acts on behalf of a foreign entity and informing the People’s Republic of China of his intentions.
Wang has denied wrongdoing, telling the court that the information he is alleged to have shared was not classified and was available through open sources. He has also emphasized his desire to remain in Canada to “clear his name and defend his reputation.”
Hydro-Québec, Quebec’s provincially owned electricity utility, plays a critical role in powering the province and exporting clean energy. The case is being closely watched by security experts and government officials, as it represents a key test of Canada’s ability to prosecute alleged acts of foreign economic espionage under its national security laws.