Working Against Transnational Criminal Activity

CSIS created a Transnational Criminal Activity (TCA) unit in January 1996. CSIS’s collection and analysis of strategic intelligence provide Canadian government departments and agencies with a clear picture of the extent and nature of transnational crime in Canada and the threat that transnational crime poses to national security. Specifically, CSIS investigates threats to the integrity of Canadian financial institutions and key sectors of the Canadian economy; it looks at public institutions and programs to detect corruption and fraud and investigates attempts by major TCA groups to establish operational bases in Canada.

Among the key elements of our work are our cooperative relationships with foreign intelligence services and law enforcement agencies such as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), with whom we exchange information on an ongoing basis. The strategic intelligence data collected by CSIS is particularly useful for Canadian law enforcement agencies, which have the lead role in the fight against transnational crime within Canada. Strategic intelligence provides police agencies with a comprehensive view of the threat environment, an assessment of the extent of the threat, and identification of the areas at risk—all of which allow law enforcement agencies to be proactive in their efforts against transnational crime. CSIS is often able to provide police agencies with timely, tactical information that is geared toward action in the field, leading to arrests and prosecutions. Read more about how CSIS provides assistance to law enforcement agencies in the Sharing Intelligence section.

The TCA unit also assists CSIS’ Security Screening Branch in providing security assessments on individuals seeking landed immigrant or citizenship status in Canada and on individuals seeking visas to visit Canada. CSIS has a strong track record of successfully providing Citizenship and Immigration Canada with information that has prevented TCA-linked individuals from obtaining visas, permanent residency or Canadian citizenship.

On the broader front, the Canadian government is committed to fostering cooperation at the interdepartmental, intergovernmental, and international levels to fight transnational crime.  On the international level, Canada has been working with the G-8, the United Nations, and the Organization of American States to develop and promote international standards designed to fight transnational crime. In 2002, the Canadian government ratified the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (TOC). The TOC Convention, and its related protocols on migrant smuggling and trafficking of women and children, provides all countries with a shared framework and legal tools to enhance international cooperation.

Date modified: 2005-11-14

Important Notices