One of the GTA locations noted is a building in a business park in Markham, Ont., on Oct. 31.Cole Burston/The Canadian Press
The RCMP says it is investigating reports of criminal activity related to so-called foreign “police” stations in Canada after a human rights group reported China is operating more than 50 such venues overseas, including three in the Greater Toronto Area.
The Spain-based Safeguard Defenders group published a report in September saying China established at least 54 “overseas police service centers” around the world to carry out what it described as policing operations on foreign soil.
The report claimed the stations are used to persuade people China claims are fugitives living abroad to return to China to face charges.
The organization’s list of the so-called Chinese police stations includes two in Markham, Ont. and one in the Scarborough area of Toronto.
The RCMP says it’s aware that foreign states may seek to intimidate or harm communities or individuals within Canada, and its investigation is ongoing.
The Chinese embassy did not immediately respond to request for comment.