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4 Russians leave Canada in spy mystery
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CBC News
Several Russian Embassy staff in Ottawa have left Canada in connection with spying allegations — with at least some of the departures related to accusations against a Canadian naval officer in Halifax, CBC News has confirmed.
Four people at the Russian Embassy have been removed from the list of embassy and diplomatic staff that Canada recognizes.
While it wasn't immediately clear whether all four departures were related to the allegations against Canadian Sub.-Lt. Jeffrey Paul Delisle, CBC News has confirmed some left for that reason.
Media reports early Friday the Harper government had expelled some Russian Embassy staff because of alleged involvement with the passing of secrets to a foreign power.
The names of two Russian diplomats, including a defence attaché and two "technical staff," were dropped from the Department of Foreign Affairs official list of recognized foreign representatives, the Globe and Mail reported.
Delisle, 40, was arrested in the Halifax area last weekend. He faces two charges under the Security of Information Act that deal with communicating information that could harm Canada's interests, according to court documents.
Defence Minister Peter MacKay described the case Tuesday as a matter of national security because of the charges involved, but he would not discuss specifics at that time, including whether the foreign entity in question was Russia.
"Given the early stages of the proceedings, there is really nothing more that can be said," he told a news conference in Ottawa.
The minister sought to reassure Canadians that allegations of espionage revolving around the Halifax naval intelligence officer would not affect the country's reputation among other NATO members.
"Our allies have full confidence in Canada, full confidence in our information," MacKay said.
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