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Post: Unveiling the Espionage: The Termination of Two Scientists at Canada’s Top Lab
Unveiling the Espionage: The Termination of Two Scientists at Canada’s Top Lab. The unraveling of how two esteemed scientists at Canada’s most secure lab were dismissed for sharing sensitive information with China is now public knowledge. Xiangguo Qiu, alongside her spouse, Keding Cheng, faced termination from their roles over three years ago due to security breaches. Qiu, a distinguished researcher with a background in China, was recognized for her contributions to Ebola virus research, earning her a Governor General’s Innovation Award. However, in July 2019, she was abruptly escorted from the premises and fired with her husband, leaving Canadians puzzled for nearly five years about the circumstances.
The situation escalated when, in 2021, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) was cited for contempt of Parliament for not disclosing documents concerning the case, despite demands from a majority of MPs. The mystery was recently clarified when the Canadian Security Intelligence Service accused Qiu of forming extensive ties with Chinese institutions and deliberately sharing scientific knowledge and materials to aid the People’s Republic of China (PRC) government. She was alleged to have exported sensitive materials from the national microbiology lab without authorization and was accused of concealing her affiliations with Chinese entities. Her husband, Cheng, was implicated in these security breaches as well.
Investigative documents, including over 600 pages of assessments and emails, detail the timeline and security breaches leading to their dismissal. Incidents beginning in September 2018 include Qiu being named on a Chinese patent for an Ebola virus inhibitor, which raised suspicions of unauthorized sharing of scientific data. Further allegations against Cheng involved security policy breaches related to laboratory material removal attempts.
A comprehensive investigation by Presidia Security Consulting uncovered multiple policy violations, including improper sharing of experimental data and unauthorized transfers of materials to foreign entities. Despite Qiu’s defense regarding her collaborations, the findings pointed to serious intellectual property breaches and misleading conduct regarding her affiliations.
Both scientists faced administrative investigations, leading to the discovery of further unauthorized activities and dishonesty. A CSIS security assessment highlighted their potential threat to Canada’s security, revealing their deep connections with Chinese military and scientific institutions, involvement in China’s “Thousand Talents Program,” and undisclosed links in their CVs.
Despite filing grievances against PHAC for alleged discrimination and procedural unfairness, their security clearances were revoked, and their employment was terminated due to the unmitigated security risk they posed. This case underscores the complexities of scientific collaboration in an era of global espionage and the importance of safeguarding national security interests.
Unveiling the Espionage: The Termination of Two Scientists at Canada’s Top Lab – Timeline
The unraveling of the investigation and dismissal of two key virus researchers due to alleged leaks to China has finally come to light. Canadians have been provided with the reasons behind the firing of Xiangguo Qiu and her spouse, Keding Cheng, from Canada’s premier security laboratory over three years prior. Qiu, a distinguished scientist with an education from China, conducted significant research on pathogens, including breakthroughs on the Ebola virus, earning her a Governor General’s Innovation Award.
In a surprising turn of events, Qiu was escorted out of the lab and fired alongside her husband, Keding Cheng, in July 2019. The details of their dismissal remained a mystery to Canadians for nearly five years.
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) faced criticism for withholding documents related to the case, even being found in contempt of Parliament in 2021 for its refusal, despite demands from a majority of MPs.
Recent revelations have shed light on the secrecy: the Canadian Security Intelligence Service accuses Qiu of forming deep cooperative relationships with Chinese institutions and intentionally transferring scientific knowledge and materials to China, benefiting the PRC government. She allegedly shipped sensitive materials without authorization and lied about her affiliations with Chinese institutions. Cheng is accused of assisting in leaking secure information and participating in the deception.
A detailed review of 600 pages of investigations, assessments, and emails by the National Post has provided a chronological account of the suspicions, security breaches, and the subsequent investigative procedures.
September 27, 2018
PHAC learns that Qiu is named on a Chinese patent for an Ebola virus inhibitor, suggesting unauthorized sharing of scientific data.
October 12 and 31, 2018
Security breaches involving Cheng and the attempted unauthorized removal of laboratory materials are reported.
December 21, 2018
A private firm, Presidia Security Consulting, is contracted to investigate the allegations against Qiu and Cheng.
January 27, 2019
Cheng causes a security incident by using an incorrect passcode at the lab.
March 23, 2019
Violations of IT policy and unauthorized dissemination of scientific data are found in a report by Presidia Security Consulting.
July 5, 2019
Qiu and Cheng are informed of an administrative investigation into their actions, with potential disciplinary measures including termination.
February 5, 2020
An administrative report finds Qiu in violation of numerous intellectual-property policies, with unauthorized dissemination of scientific data and materials.
April 9, 2020
A CSIS security assessment suggests both Qiu and Cheng could be susceptible to foreign influence, potentially compromising lab security.
June 30, 2020
Further CSIS assessment raises doubts about Qiu’s loyalty to Canada, linking her to China’s talent programs and military institutions.
July 7, 2020
Cheng’s reliability and loyalty come into question in an updated CSIS security assessment, highlighting his awareness of Qiu’s activities.
August 5, 2020
Both scientists file grievances against PHAC, alleging discrimination and procedural unfairness in the investigative process.
September 29, 2020
PHAC rejects the grievances, stating the complexity of the allegations and denying any discrimination based on ethnicity.
November 30, 2020
A review of Qiu’s security status reveals inconsistencies in her statements, leading to a recommendation to revoke both scientists’ security clearances.
January 19, 2021
Qiu and Cheng are notified of the revocation of their reliability status and secret security clearances.
January 20, 2021
The Public Health Agency officially terminates the employment of both scientists, effective immediately, marking the end of a complex investigation into alleged misconduct and security breaches.
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