RCMP charge Citizenship and Immigration Canada employee with breach of trust

LONDON, ON, April 4, 2012 /CNW/ - On April 3^rd, 2012, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) London Detachment Customs & Excise Section charged Alexander NELSON, a 59 year old employee of Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), with breach of trust by a public officer.

On March 28^th, 2012 the RCMP received information from Citizenship and Immigration Canada that led to an investigation and the execution of a search warrant at the home of the accused. It is alleged that Alexander NELSON breached his Oath of Office and Secrecy by disclosing private information regarding department cases. It is further alleged that he personally benefitted from information obtained in the course of his official duties.

"CIC takes all allegations of employee misconduct very seriously and have initiated a full internal investigation," stated Lucille LeBlanc, Regional Director General, CIC Ontario Region. "We have been fully cooperating with the RCMP and have taken the necessary actions to safeguard the integrity of our operations."

"This is an excellent example of the RCMP working together with our partner agency, Citizenship and Immigration Canada, to conduct an expedient and successful investigation" stated Inspector Dwight Blok, Officer in Charge of RCMP London Detachment, "preventing and investigating a breach of trust offence requires our immediate focus to ensure public confidence is maintained."

The RCMP and Citizenship and Immigration Canada are committed to working together to maintain the integrity of Canada's immigration system.  Alexander NELSON is scheduled to appear in court on May 18, 2012 at the London courthouse.

Cpl. Darren MORGAN
Media Relations Officer
RCMP London Detachment 
[phone] ext. 248       

Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Ontario Region
[phone]