Former RCMP Official Cameron Ortis Sentenced to 14 Years for Leaking Secrets

A former intelligence official with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Cameron Ortis, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for leaking classified information. Ortis, 51, was found guilty in November of violating Canada’s secrets act and other charges under the Security of Information Act. This is the first time charges under this act were tested in court.

Ortis, who worked in a position of trust within the RCMP, was accused of leaking secret operational information to individuals who were of interest to the police. This act not only jeopardized lives but also tarnished Canada’s reputation within the international intelligence community.

During the trial, it was revealed that Ortis shared sensitive intelligence with CEO Vincent Ramos of Phantom Secure, a company that sold encrypted cellphones to organized crime members. He also leaked information to Salim Henareh and Muhammad Ashraf, suspected agents of an international money-laundering network linked to terrorists. Ortis attempted to leak information to Farzam Mehdizadeh as well.

As a member of the Five Eyes alliance, Canada is committed to sharing and protecting intelligence with the U.S., U.K., New Zealand, and Australia. Ortis, being a key figure within the RCMP’s intelligence operations, had access to intelligence from Canada and its allies.

The sentencing was carried out by Justice Robert Maranger of the Ontario Superior Court, who acknowledged Ortis’ high level of “moral blameworthiness” and the severity of his actions. The Crown had sought a harsher sentence of 28 years, while Ortis’ defense argued for time served. The judge determined that a sentence of 14 years, taking into account time served, was both fit and just.

Ortis, who appeared stoic during the sentencing, is reportedly disappointed by the outcome. His defense team plans to appeal on the grounds that he did not receive a fair trial due to limitations imposed by national security law.

This case sends a strong message to potential leakers, according to Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc. He said it demonstrates that breaching the trust and oath to protect classified information will be met with vigorous prosecution.

The sentencing of Cameron Ortis has sparked debate and raised questions about the importance of safeguarding national security and the consequences for those who betray it.