Former Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Director General of Intelligence Cameron Jay Ortis was found guilty Wednesday of six counts of disclosing top-secret information.
Four of the charges relate to alleged breaches of the Data Protection Act. The 51-year-old, who was arrested four years ago, was accused of intentionally passing on special operational information without authorization and attempting to pass on this type of information.
Two additional charges were brought under the Criminal Code: breach of trust and unauthorized use of a computer.
The defendant showed little emotion as the verdict was announced and then hugged his two lawyers.
His application for bail was rejected by Judge Robert Maranger. A sentencing hearing will be held in early January.
The prosecutor has indicated that he is seeking a prison sentence of 20 years.
At trial, prosecutors argued that Ortis used his position within the RCMP in early 2015 to pass confidential information to police targets. His key position in Ottawa gave him access to national and multinational investigations and coveted intelligence information.
Ortis, for his part, claimed he acted to protect Canada from a serious threat from a foreign company.