The federal government wrapped up its case and presented final arguments on Friday in the B.C. Supreme Court trial of former RCMP officer William Majcher. A prosecutor told the court that Majcher attempted to establish his Hong Kong-based company's reputation for asset recovery by repatriating a man wanted by China for massive fraud.
Prosecutor's Closing Arguments
Federal prosecutor Ryan Carrier stated that evidence shows Majcher violated Canada's Security of Information Act by taking preparatory steps to persuade or threaten Hongwei (Kevin) Sun to return to China. Sun, a Canadian permanent resident since 2001, is accused by China of stealing $124 million from a bank where he previously worked.
Majcher is charged with one count of preparing to force Sun to return to China while working for or with Beijing, contrary to Canada's constitutional rights and principles. He has pleaded not guilty.
Email Evidence Presented
Carrier read from an email written by Majcher in June 2017 to his colleague and former FBI agent Ross Gaffney. In the email, Majcher discussed plans to repatriate Sun to China, stating he intended to use the threat of arrest and extradition to impress upon the 'crook' that they held the keys to his future. Majcher wrote that if the target cooperated, they could guarantee his passport and no jail time; if not, there would be extradition and a lengthier process.
Carrier argued that Majcher was preparing to tell Sun about a Chinese warrant for his arrest. He said Majcher used the specter of Chinese criminal pursuit and proceedings to induce a permanent resident of Canada to acquiesce to the demands of a foreign government.
Background on Majcher's Company
Majcher and Gaffney ran a company in Hong Kong called Evaluate Monitor Investigate Deter Recover (EMIDR), which specialized in investigating and documenting cyber and financial crimes, as well as asset recovery. Majcher, who specialized in money laundering crimes and undercover operations while with the RCMP, indicated in emails that the Chinese government had asked him to train police officers in international financial crime and covert methodologies.
Implications for Canadian Sovereignty
Carrier emphasized that helping a foreign government target a Canadian wanted by Chinese police was an affront to Canadian sovereignty and posed a threat to Sun, a Canadian resident. Majcher was charged under the section of the Security of Information Act that makes it illegal to prepare to carry out offenses, even if they are not completed.
Defense to Present Closing Arguments
Majcher's lawyer, Ian Donaldson, who called no witnesses and presented no evidence during the trial, will deliver his closing arguments on Monday. The trial continues.
