Hydro-Québec employee charged with espionage

November 14, 2022
Montréal, Quebec

News release

Update (2024-02-07)

On February 7, 2024, two new charges under the Security of Information Act were filed against Mr. Wang:

  • S. 22 R.S.C 22(1)(b) and 22(1)(c) - Preparatory acts on behalf of a foreign entity

Mr. Wang will appear on April 5, 2024, at the Longueuil courthouse.

An RCMP investigation has led to the arrest and charges against Yuesheng Wang, age 35, from Candiac. While employed by Hydro-Québec, Mr. Wang allegedly obtained trade secrets to benefit the People's Republic of China, to the detriment of Canada's economic interests.

The Integrated National Security Enforcement Team (INSET) began an investigation in August 2022 after receiving a complaint from Hydro-Québec's corporate security branch. Mr. Wang allegedly obtained the information to which he had access in the course of his duties.

Mr. Wang will appear tomorrow at the Longueuil courthouse to face four charges under the Security of Information Act and the Criminal Code of Canada:

  • S. 19 R.S.C – Obtaining trade secrets
  • S. 342.1 CC – Unauthorized use of computer
  • S. 391 CC – Fraud for obtaining trade secrets
  • S. 122 CC – Breach of trust by public officer

Foreign interference

The RCMP has a mandate to detect and disrupt foreign interference attempts. It investigates activities by or for foreign actors that pose a risk to Canadian institutions and the economy.

Foreign actor interference is a priority for many law enforcement and intelligence agencies around the world. Hydro-Québec is considered a critical infrastructure and a strategic interest to be protected. The RCMP and its partners are working together with at-risk sectors to improve Canada's response and resiliency to this threat.

Appeal to the public

Do you have information on the illegal activities of individuals or groups of individuals? Contact the RCMP at 514-939-8300/1-800-771-5401 or your local police department.

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Contact information

Communications Office
514-939-8308
cdiv.communications@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

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