Canadian Citizen Indicted In China For Allegedly Spying And Stealing State Secrets; Canada Says Indictment Is ‘Concerning’

Authorities on Thursday said that a Canadian citizen who ran a café in China since 2008 was indicted for allegedly spying and stealing state secrets. State-run news agency Xinhua reported that a certain Kevin Garratt has been charged by the Chinese authorities in Dandong City.

CNN noted Friday that Garratt and his wife, Julia, were arrested in August 2014. Garratt's wife was released in February 2015, while he remained in custody to undergo further investigation.

Xinhua reported that investigators "found evidence which implicates Garratt in accepting tasks from Canadian espionage agencies to gather intelligence in China."

Meanwhile, the Canadian government said the indictment of Garratt on alleged spying and stealing of China's state secrets is "concerning."

The arrest of Garratt happened a few days after Canada singled out China in a hacking incident in 2014. On the other hand, China said Canada's accusation is groundless.

"The Canadian side, while lacking credible evidence, offered criticism for no reason. This is irresponsible and China is resolutely opposed to this," Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a dispatch. "We urge the Canadian side to correct its mistake, stop criticizing China for no reason, and dispel the negative effects that have come from this."

Reports revealed that the indictment of the Canadian citizen ignited tensions between the two countries.

"Canada finds the indictment of Kevin Garratt by China concerning," said Francois Lasalle, foreign department spokesman.

"The Government of Canada has raised this case with the Chinese Government at high levels ... We remain in contact with Chinese authorities and the family, and are monitoring developments closely," he added, as noted by The Guardian Thursday.

A former Canadian diplomat is bullish that the indictment would expel Garratt and his wife from China.

"I hope that this movement on the Garratt matter will soon lead to Mr. Garratt being deported from China on humanitarian and compassionate grounds," said Charles Burton, Brock University professor.