Canadian investigative journalist Sam Cooper recently spoke to The Epoch Times about the updated edition of his bestseller, Wilful Blindness, which is set to be released this month.
Originally published in 2021, Wilful Blindness delves into how the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has utilized Hong Kong tycoons and triad leaders to infiltrate Canada, specifically impacting Vancouver’s real estate market through underground banking. Triads are criminal organizations originating from China known for illegal activities like drug trafficking, extortion, and money laundering.
Cooper’s investigation uncovered how illicit funds from China and Hong Kong played a significant role in driving up housing prices in Vancouver, leading to the emergence of the “Vancouver Model” of money laundering.
In the updated edition, Cooper goes deeper into foreign interference in Canada, particularly in elections, shedding light on how CCP-aligned criminal networks are manipulating local economies and politics. He emphasized the collaboration between political, criminal, and financial entities with Beijing to gain influence in the country.
Cooper warned that if these activities persist, China could silently control other jurisdictions as it did with Hong Kong.
The Vancouver Model of Money Laundering
During his time covering city hall as a journalist, Cooper discovered how major real estate developers influenced Vancouver’s city government. The underground banking system, fueled by funds from China and Hong Kong, facilitated local economic activity, primarily through money laundering in government-regulated casinos, giving rise to the “Vancouver Model” that has now expanded globally.
The CCP utilizes infiltration tactics, including spies and organized crime, through the United Front Work Department to dismantle pro-democracy movements covertly and capture territories without direct conflict.
CCP’s Reach Extends to Canadian Politics
Cooper highlighted that these infiltration tactics are not limited to Hong Kong but have been employed worldwide, including in Canada. He discussed how the CCP has infiltrated various sectors, including politicians, election candidates, and those complicit in money laundering activities, allowing the CCP to gain a foothold in the country.
Project Sidewinder: Uncovering CCP’s Influence in the 1990s
Cooper shared insights from Project Sidewinder, an investigation by the RCMP and CSIS in the 1990s that looked into CCP infiltration through wealthy Hong Kong businessmen and Chinese organized crime. The investigation revealed significant influence from individuals tied to CCP intelligence and triads making inroads in Canada.
Despite the findings, the investigation was halted in 1997, with key evidence suppressed. The leaked report in 1999 exposed connections between powerful companies, Chinese intelligence agents, and high-level decision-making.
The Ongoing Threat of CCP Influence
Cooper emphasized the continuous expansion of CCP’s influence and activities, drawing parallels between CCP-run police stations in countries like Canada and the tactics used in Hong Kong during the 1990s. He highlighted how CCP-controlled groups in Canada have targeted him for exposing their operations.
Despite facing legal and personal threats, Cooper remains steadfast in his work, urging people to recognize the severity of the threat posed by the CCP and take action.
What Can Be Done?
Cooper stressed the importance of a united democratic front to counter CCP infiltration tactics. He quoted former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, emphasizing the need for vigilance and action against the internal threats posed by foreign influence.
Cooper continues his work at the Bureau, focusing on exposing these threats and building on the foundation laid by Wilful Blindness.
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